Firefighters: Time to change the batteries

Residents encouraged to change batteries in their smoke alarms as they ‘Spring Forward’

COATESVILLE >> It’s that time of the year to change your clocks, and to change your smoke alarm batteries.

Coatesville firefighters (IAFF Local 3790) remind residents to not only change your clock for daylight saving time on Sunday, but also to change the batteries in your smoke alarms.

“Saving your life can be as simple as changing your smoke alarm batteries once a year and replacing smoke alarms every seven to 10 years,” said Jim Lentz, a 16-year veteran firefighter with IAFF Local 3790. Special smoke alarms are even available for those who are deaf or hearing-impaired.

Two-thirds of home fire

deaths result from fires in homes without a working smoking alarm, according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).

The NFPA reports that working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. Research has also demonstrated that photoelectric smoke alarms are more effective

at warning people of smoke from smoldering fires than ionization smoke alarms. With earlier warning, people have more time to escape a burning structure and to call 9-1- 1.

The local firefighters recommended installing a dual purpose smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside of every bedroom and on

each floor of your home.

“You should also install carbon monoxide alarms in your home and check them once a month,” said Mike Pawlowski, Coatesville IAFF President.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible poisonous gas that has no odor can be lethal. CO alarms should be installed in a central location

outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

More than 2,300 people die each year in home fires. Having a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm that works 24 hours a day greatly increases your chance of survival if your home catches on fire.

Firefighters said in the

case of an emergency, call 911 for the help of your local firefighters.