This weekend is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time. On Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m., we change our clocks ahead. The City of Champaign Fire Department encourages everyone to “Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries.”
Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke detectors or smoke detectors that failed to operate.
One of the main reasons why smoke detectors fail to operate is either there is not a battery present or the battery is dead. Working smoke detectors provide early warning; saving lives, preventing injury and reducing property damage. Smoke detector batteries should be changed twice a year and detectors should be replaced at least every 10 years or according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
According to Champaign Fire Chief Gary Ludwig, “The most tragic loss of life is the one that could have easily been prevented with the installation of a new battery.”
Contact: John Koller, Fire Marshal
Phone: (217) 403-7210 / Cell: 217-281-1529