State Fire Marshal: Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries

Olympia, WA - As the time change approaches on Sunday, November 4, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that one easy step can help save their lives – changing the batteries in their smoke alarms.

When you change your clocks, take time to change and test the batteries in your smoke alarms. “Smoke alarms most often fail because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries so maintenance is a simple, effective way to protect you and your family,” says State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy.

The national home fire safety campaign called Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® is sponsored by Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the program urges Americans to adopt a life-saving habit: changing smoke alarm batteries when clocks are changed back from daylight-saving time each fall.

Warnings from smoke alarms can provide those critical extra seconds people need to get out of their homes safely. Plan, discuss and practice escape routes with your household members. Being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of a fire can save lives.

For more information about fire safety, please visit the State Fire Marshal website atwww.wsp.wa.gov/fire/firemars.htm.