Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Checks During Daylight Savings

With the upcoming need to turn your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 11^th, the North County Fire Authority wants to remind everyone to be sure to change the batteries in both their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout their homes.  Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are one of the cheapest ways to protect your family in the event of a fire or accidental release of carbon monoxide gas.  But that protection is only possible when these units are kept in proper working order, and when everyone in your family knows what each of them sounds like and how family members should respond.

Each month, you should test each detector to make sure they are working properly. Simply press the test button located on the face of each unit and wait for the beep.  Every six months, conveniently when you change the clocks in your home, change the batteries in both types of detectors.

The monthly testing of these detectors is also the perfect opportunity to conduct a family fire/evacuation drill in your home.  Every family should create and practice an E.D.I.T.H. Plan (Exit Drills in The Home) designed by all members of the household.  When families regularly practice their E.D.I.T.H. Plan, they can make sure that everyone confidently knows what to do in an emergency, be it a fire, earthquake or extreme weather situation.  In the event of an emergency, knowing how to evacuate your home safely and gather at your meeting place is the most important part.

For more information on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors you can go to www.northcountyfire.org and click on the Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Icon.