This weekend when you change your clocks, take the time to check your smoke alarms too.
That’s the message from South County fire, which notes that working smoke alarms save lives. South County Fire offers these tips for checking the smoke alarms where you live:
· Check the batteries. Replace batteries every six months unless otherwise noted by the manufacturer. Follow manufacturer instructions for smoke alarm maintenance.
· Check the age of your smoke alarms. Smoke alarms don’t last forever and should be replaced after 10 years. Aging smoke alarms are unreliable and often are the source of nuisance alarms. Most smoke alarms are imprinted with a manufacture date or expiration date.
· Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
· Make sure you have enough smoke alarms. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
· Make a home fire escape plan. Smoke alarms give you the warning you need to escape. Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Visit each room and identify two ways out. Pick a meeting place outside. Practice with a home fire drill. Learn more and download an escape plan worksheet at www.southsnofire.org/escapeplan.org.
South County Fire is the largest provider of fire and emergency medical services in Snohomish County, serving more than 250,000 residents in unincorporated communities and the cities of Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.
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