Daylight saving time serves as a reminder to replace alarm batteries

The Forsyth County Fire Department recommends residents replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they set their clocks back an hour on Sunday, November 6, as daylight saving time ends.

“Replacing the batteries in your alarms is simple and relatively inexpensive,” Division Chief Jason Shivers said. “And by using daylight saving time as a cue, it makes the task easier to remember.”

The Forsyth County Fire Department suggests that if the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are serviceable, they should be changed every six to twelve months. Prior to replacing the batteries, review the recommendations provided by the unit’s manufacturer, and replace the units themselves every seven to ten years. It’s also important to test the alarms at least once a month by pressing the TEST button.

“It’s irrefutable that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives every day,” Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. “In order to save lives, it’s imperative that your alarms are in full working order, and the best way to assure this is to replace the batteries and individual units when recommended.”

The Fire Department also reminds citizens of the following safety precautions: 

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of the home
• Ensure smoke alarms are clean and free of dust
• Dial 911 in case of any emergency

The Fire Department’s Public Safety Education Division provides battery-powered smoke alarms free of charge for senior citizens and residents in need. To receive more details about this program, contact the Forsyth County Fire Department at (770) 205-5699 or publiceducation@forsythco.com.