State Fire Marshal Recommends “Change Your Clock – Change Your Battery”

In anticipation of daylight savings time beginning in the early morning hours of March 10th, the State Fire Marshal is urging Marylanders to “Change Your Clock – Change Your Battery” in both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in their homes.  Recognizing that working smoke alarms and CO detectors double a family’s chance of surviving a home fire and/or an unsafe carbon monoxide level, the State Fire Marshal says Daylight Savings Time is a great opportunity for families to change the batteries.  “This simple step can help us avoid tragedies in the place we feel the most secure – our homes.”  Additionally, Marylanders should check manufacture dates on smoke alarms.  Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years as recommended by the manufacturer and the Life Safety Code to ensure they will work efficiently and lessen the chance for a nuisance alarm.  Property owners that have ‘battery only’ smoke alarms should consider using new technology involving ‘10 year – long life’ battery operated smoke alarms, which eliminate the need to change batteries each year.

Along with working smoke alarms and CO detectors, home escape plans are a significant way Marylanders can avoid injury or death in their homes.  By identifying at least two different escape routes, families can practice the plan together – before an emergency strikes.  Practicing the plan helps educate younger children to the danger of hazardous situations and the importance of recognizing that the sound of a smoke alarm or CO detector signals a potential hazard in the home.  “Changing the battery in your smoke alarms and CO detectors, along with developing and practicing a home escape plan, are two of the best ways to protect your loved ones and yourself from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning,” stated Fire Marshal Barnard.

Please observe the overhead electronic signs as you travel throughout the State this weekend.  The Office of the State Fire Marshal and all Marylanders thank the Maryland Department of Transportation and the State Highway Administration for assisting to spread the word about this life saving reminder.