Change your clock, check your smoke alarm

WASILLA - It's a good idea for citizens to check the batteries in their smoke alarms when they change their clock for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday.

This year, the spring clock change comes a little earlier than usual. Clocks should be turned forward one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday (or before people retire for the night on Saturday).

The state Fire Marshal's office started a program last fall that is available free of charge through The Alaska Division of Fire Prevention. Alaskans can go to The Alaska Division of Fire Prevention's Web site at www.akburny.com and click on a &#8220smoke alarm reminder” link. On this site, they can sign up for a free monthly e-mail reminder to check their smoke alarms.

Many homes have smoke alarms with 9-volt batteries that should be replaced at least twice annually, according to the Fire Marshal's office. Daylight Saving Time can serve as a reminder to check smoke alarms and change 9-volt batteries.

With long-life lithium battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries have a life span of up to 10 years, so people may not need to replace this type of battery as often.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that about 90 percent of American homes are equipped with smoke alarms, but more than 50 percent of the alarms are not in working condition.

It is important to remember that manufacturers' guidelines for smoke alarm installation, testing, cleaning and replacing batteries should be followed.

General recommendations are as follows:

€ Install smoke alarms in your home if you do not currently have them. An alarm between the sleeping area and the living area offers a minimum amount of protection. For maximum protection, install an alarm in every room, on every level of a home.

€ Smoke alarms lose sensitivity over time and should be replaced. The approximate life span of an alarm is 10 years.

€ At least once a month, press the test button to check a alarm. If the alarm doesn't sound, replace the batteries. If this doesn't solve the problem, replace the unit. Keep in mind that 9-volt batteries should be changed at least twice a year. Start this practice to coincide with Daylight Saving Time.

€ Periodically clean smoke alarms using a vacuum attachment. This removes particles that could interfere with the alarm's proper operation.

€ When a &#8220chirping” sound is noted, this is a sign that the batteries are weak and should be replaced.

Having working smoke alarms is not the total answer in making a home fire safe. Practicing general fire safety behavior and preparing and practicing emergency exit plans are essential to aid in preventing fires and fire fatalities.