FORT WAYNE, IND., November 2, 2012 – With daylight saving time beginning this Sunday at 2 a.m., the Fort Wayne Fire Department urges residents to change the batteries in their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when they set their clocks back one hour.
More than 70 percent of fatal fires throughout the U.S could be prevented if working smoke detectors were in place. A good way to make sure working batteries are in smoke detectors is to change them each time daylight saving time goes into effect so these life-saving devices are always operational.
Assistant Chief Jim Murua, Fire Marshal of the Fort Wayne Fire Department says, “Daylight saving time is a date and time twice a year that we all remember. As we go through our homes and change the clocks we should also make this the time to replace the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The chance of surviving a fire significantly increases when you have a working smoke alarm.”
Murua also suggests in addition to replacing the batteries you should also prepare and practice a family fire escape plan.
For more safety fire tips or assistance in creating a fire escape plan visit www.fortwaynefiredepartment.org</a> or contact the Fire Code Enforcement Division at 260.427.1479.
