KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — As Daylight Saving Time gets into full swing, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and State Fire Marshal are reminding Michiganders to change the batteries in their smoke alarms.
With this, they also stress reviewing and practicing a home fire escape plan.
According the National Fire Protection Association, three out of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms, or no smoke alarms that were working.
Alongside changing the batteries, the state fire marshal recommends doing the following things to ensure continued fire safety.
- “Press to Test” smoke alarms monthly using the test button.
- In 9-volt smoke alarms, replace batteries twice a year or when the smoke alarm begins to chirp, signaling that the battery is running low.
- Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom or sleeping area and have one smoke alarm on every level of the home, including the basement.
- For added protection, consider an interconnected smoke alarm system, so that when one smoke alarm sounds all the smoke alarms sound in the whole home.
- Every ten years replace all your smoke alarms, or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.
- Choose alarms that bear the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
- People who are deaf or hard of hearing should equip their homes with alert devices such as high intensity strobe lights, and pillow or bed shakers that are activated by the sound of a standard smoke alarm.
Officials also say to never remove or disconnect batteries from detectors unless you are putting new batteries in them.
