[Durham INC] DCo Fire Marshal Reminds Everyone to Check Smoke Alarm Batteries

[Jones, Henry R.]

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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release                                          Date: 03/10/23
Contact: Public Information Office                   Phone: (919) 560-0000/Fax: (919) 560-0020
E-mail: publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov<mailto:publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov>

DCo Fire Marshal Reminds Everyone to Check Smoke Alarm Batteries

As we spring forward for Daylight Savings Time, it's a perfect time to inspect detectors in our houses

Durham, N.C. - At 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2023, North Carolinians will be turning their clocks forward one hour for Daylight Savings Time. As our clocks spring forward, the Fire Marshal Division of the Durham County Office of Emergency Services reminds the community that this is a prime opportunity to change the batteries in smoke alarms.

"The first line of defense in surviving a residential home fire is to have awareness when a fire occurs," said Durham County Fire Marshal Jason Shepherd. "That awareness is the activation of a smoke alarm. The risk of dying in a residential fire is cut in half with working smoke alarms."

The National Fire Protection Association provides information for the varying types of smoke alarms on the market to account for their varying battery requirements:


  *   Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
  *   Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
  *   When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer's list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer's instructions. Manufacturer's instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
If your home does not have a smoke alarm, the American Red Cross can assist with smoke alarm installation. Visit their website for more information here<https://www.redcross.org/local/north-carolina/greater-carolinas/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign.html>.

Having a plan and knowing what to do in the event of a fire is also a critical component to surviving a fire. Use this document<https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/By-topic/Escape/EscapeGrid.pdf> from the National Fire Protection Association<http://www.nfpa.org> and take the opportunity this weekend to develop a home escape plan!

For more information, contact the Durham County Fire Marshal's office at DCoFireMarshals at dconc.gov<mailto:DCoFireMarshals at dconc.gov> or 919-560-7596.

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