This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
While you're adjusting clocks for Daylight Saving Time this coming weekend (spring forward at 2 a.m. on Sunday) add one more, potentially critical task: swap out those smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries for fresh ones.
Salt Lake City Fire Department spokesman Jasen Asay says the time switch also is just generally a good time to test those alarms to make sure they are working as designed.
It just takes a minute or two, and the investment could save your life and the lives of loved ones.
"According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out," Asay stated Monday.
Some NFPA alarm safety tips:
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the house, preferably near sleeping areas.
• Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
• Smoke alarms that include a recordable voice announcement in addition to the usual alarm sound, may be helpful in waking children through the use of a familiar voice.
• Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices use strobe lights. Vibration devices can be added to these alarms
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
Twitter: @remims