October 29, 2008 - Change your Clock, Change your Battery

Set clocks back one hour

The Shreveport Fire Department reminds everyone to set clocks back one hour and to change the battery in their home smoke alarms on Saturday, November 1, 2008. Changing your clock may save you time and changing the battery in your smoke alarms may save your life.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, “Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries.” Shreveport’s Fire Investigators have reported that over 40% of home fires in 2008 were without smoke alarms or with nonworking smoke alarms despite the overall reduction in fires. This year, three of the five reported fire deaths were in homes with no smoke alarm or nonfunctional smoke alarms.

The Shreveport Fire Prevention Bureau makes the following recommendations regarding smoke alarms to reduce fire deaths and injuries:

•Install smoke alarms in each bedroom, separate sleeping area and on every level of the home
•Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home, therefore causing all alarms to sound simultaneously

•Test your smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button
•Invest in 10 year, tamper proof, lithium battery powered smoke alarms
•Have an escape plan and practice it monthly when you test your smoke alarm.

“Change your clock and change your battery is a simple, but powerful message. It reinforces the need for families to set aside some time to be proactive and practice fire safety”, according to Fire Chief Brian Crawford.