Daylight Savings and Smoke Detectors

Change your clock and change your smoke detector batteries this weekend.  Remember, if your thermostats, hot water heater timers and cars have clocks, those will need to be changed as well.

Twice a year we change our clocks for Daylight Savings Time, at those times you should also be changing the batteries in our smoke detectors.

Smoke detector care:

• Install smoke detectors in every bedroom and keep one centrally located on each floor of your home.  Hallways and kitchens are especially good places.
• Place smoke detectors either on the ceiling or high on a wall – 6 to 12 inches from the ceiling (smoke rises).
• Keep smoke detectors away from doors, windows or vents, where drafts could affect their performance.
• Test and clean your smoke detectors monthly.  Gently vacuum them and keep them free of dust and other foreign particles that could hinder their operation.
• Replace batteries in your detectors at least twice a year.
• Don’t paint your smoke detector; you could clog its detecting sensors.
• You may even want to consider one of the newer combination units for smoke and carbon monoxide.  A little more pricey but so much more protection for your family.