Daylight-Savings Time, also Life-Savings Time

It’s time to change the clocks AND the batteries in your smoke detectors

This Sunday, November 5, Sycamore residents will be changing the clocks to account for
daylight-savings time. There is one crucial step to take along with changing the clocks; changing the batteries in all of the smoke detectors.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71% of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. This reinforces how important it is to take this time each year to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

This weekend is also a good time for everyone to take these steps to make sure their household is prepared for emergencies.

Check smoke alarm batteries. When turning the clocks back, take a few minutes to replace the smoke alarm batteries if needed and push the test button to make sure the alarms are working. It’s also a great time to check carbon monoxide detectors.

Install smoke alarms. If you don’t have smoke alarms, install them. At a minimum, put one on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Check local building codes for additional requirements.

Practice an escape plan. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to get out of every room and how to get out of the home in less than two minutes.

One more thing to remember- Smoke detectors only have a lifespan of 10 years. Make sure to replace all smoke detectors that are nearing, or have passed, that 10-year mark.
For more information on smoke detectors, please contact the Sycamore Fire Department at (815) 895-
4514, or visit us on Facebook at City of Sycamore Fire Department for occasional postings.