Daylight Saving Time a reminder for fire safety and prevention

posted on 3/8/2024

As clocks spring forward for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2 a.m., fire safety experts emphasize the importance of using this annual event as a reminder to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Dover Fire and Rescue encourages residents to take a simple step that could save lives by replacing batteries in smoke detectors and testing the devices during the time change. Officials also advise reminding relatives, friends, and neighbors to follow this safety practice.

"A staggering 80 percent of child fire fatalities happen in homes lacking functional smoke alarms," said Dover Fire Chief Michael McShane. "This heartbreaking statistic underscores why it's crucial to have an adequate number of smoke detectors installed and make changing the batteries a routine when you adjust your clocks. For hardwired units, swapping batteries periodically ensures they remain operational during potential power outages year-round.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 71 percent of smoke alarms failed to activate due to missing, disconnected, or depleted batteries. Regularly changing batteries at least annually, testing the alarms, and encouraging others to do so are among the easiest yet most effective methods to prevent tragic fire deaths and injuries.

"The highest risk for home fire fatalities falls between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep," McShane stated. "Maintaining smoke detectors is a straightforward way to dramatically reduce these devastating incidents. Children and seniors are especially vulnerable, and functional alarms can provide them with precious extra seconds to safely evacuate."

Working smoke detectors double the chance of surviving a residential fire.

For more fire safety information, contact Dover Fire and Rescue at 603-516-6148