Daylight Saving Time begins today, when we spring forward one hour for the purpose of making better use of daylight. As we set our clocks ahead, the Skippack Fire Company (SFC) recommends testing our smoke alarms and changing the batteries of those alarms not designed with the non-replaceable (long-life) batteries.

Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or working smoke alarms. When smoke alarms should have worked but failed to operate, it is usually because batteries were missing, disconnected, or dead. SFC provides the following guidelines around smoke alarms:

· Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

· Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

· Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

· Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

· For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least twice a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.

Check out the attached NFPA Smoke Alarm Tip Sheet or contact us via our web-site or at 610-584.9995 with any smoke detector questions. Remember to always dial 911 for actual emergencies.