Fall Back and Change Smoke Alarm Batteries

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2024) - Charlotte County Fire & EMS reminds you that Daylight Saving Time will end 2 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 3 and when you adjust your clocks it is also a good time to check and replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

"Smoke alarms that work save lives. Modern homes are built with synthetic materials which burn hotter and faster while emitting toxic smoke, limiting the time to safely escape to less than three minutes," said Jason Fair, Charlotte County's public safety director and chief of fire & EMS. "The early warning from a functioning smoke alarm can save your life."

According to the National Fire Protection Association having working smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of death by more than half (54 percent). However, roughly three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

Additional smoke alarm safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don't respond when tested.
• A periodic beeping or chirping noise could mean the battery is low or dead. Replace the battery as soon as possible.

As a community service, Charlotte County Fire & EMS will change smoke alarm batteries for residents who are unable to safely do so on their own. To schedule an appointment, call 941-833-5634.

For more information, contact Todd Dunn at 941-833-5610 or [email protected].

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