As the end of Daylight-Saving Time approaches this Sunday, November 3, State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor is making a push to have North Carolinians use the occasion as a reminder to check their smoke alarm batteries. “Taking a few minutes to ensure your smoke alarms are working properly could mean the difference between life and death during a fire,” Taylor stated, according to a press release on the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal website.
With the time change, not only will residents gain an extra hour of sleep but, they have a clear opportunity to run a potentially life-saving household check. Data from the National Fire Protection Association shed a grim light: nearly 60% of home fire deaths happen in homes without working smoke alarms, often due to missing or dead batteries. Fresh batteries and regular tests can substantially increase the odds of surviving a home fire, as reported by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal.
Residents are advised to heed the following tips to ensure fire safety: replace smoke alarm batteries at least annually, monthly test alarms by pressing the "test" button, and replace any smoke alarm that is over 10 years old because their sensors may no longer be reliable, as per the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal. Additionally, smoke alarms should be placed in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home, including basements.
With a focus on prevention and safety, the State Fire Marshal's office is proactive in advocating for these measures. By instilling a routine that coincides with the time change, the practice of checking and maintaining smoke alarms can become a regular part of home safety for North Carolina residents. Ensuring that smoke alarms are operational is not only a legal requirement, but it also serves a critical role in protecting lives against the constant, indiscriminate threat of fire.
