Northwest Iowa — It’s almost time to “spring ahead” again. Daylight Saving Time in most of the United States returns early Sunday morning, and you’ll need to set all your manual clocks ahead one hour.
Sioux Center Fire Chief David Van Holland says that as that as long as you’re going around your house changing clocks, you might as well take some batteries with you on your journey around the house and change out your smoke alarm batteries as well.
Fire safety experts say that not only should you have smoke alarms installed on every floor of your home but in every bedroom as well. The U.S. Fire Administration says that you should change the batteries at least every year.
At least once a month, the U.S. Fire Administration says you should press the test button on each smoke alarm to make sure it sounds. It helps to do this the same time that you do other monthly tasks like changing furnace filters. Experts also say you should periodically clean smoke alarms using a vacuum attachment. This removes particles that could interfere with the alarm’s proper operation.
Experts tell us that smoke alarms themselves should periodically be replaced as well. The National Fire Protection Association says smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years. Normally the date of manufacture is printed or stamped right on the unit itself. Van Holland says if you’re replacing a smoke alarm, make sure you replace it with a good one.
Incidentally, although “smoke alarms” are also called “smoke detectors,” officials with smoke alarm company, Kidde, say that actual “smoke detectors” are technically part of a larger alarm system, while “smoke alarms” are the stand-alone units that detect smoke and then alarm — like the ones most of us have in our homes.
Van Holland says it’s a good idea to remember your CO or Carbon Monoxide Alarm too. He says some of them have replaceable batteries, but with others, you just have to replace the entire CO alarm. He says these should have the “UL” label as well, and should also be tested when you test your smoke alarms.
