Change Your Clocks and Smoke Detector Batteries This Weekend

From the Laguna Beach Fire Department:

A working smoke alarm can save your life!

The Laguna Beach Fire Department, in conjunction with the Orange County Fire Chiefs’ Association, is strongly encouraging residents to adopt the lifesaving habit of changing their smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks to daylight saving time on Sunday, March 10.

On at least 3 different occasions, Laguna Beach experienced three residential structure fires and not one was determined to have a working smoke detector. In each case, the occupants were extremely fortunate to have survived without the early detection. 

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping. Changing the batteries in your smoke alarm is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and older adults are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely.

It is recommended that at a minimum, there is to be a smoke alarm in each bedroom and outside each living area. In addition, it is now a requirement that homes contain carbon monoxide detectors in the home.

Many residential fire-related deaths remain preventable and continue to pose a significant public health problem. Changing smoke alarm batteries twice a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries.

The Laguna Beach Fire Department also has a program for seniors in which the firefighters will come out to inspect and/or assist with the installation of smoke alarms or the changing of batteries.

For additional information on smoke alarms or the senior smoke alarm program, please contact the Laguna Beach Fire Department at (949) 497-0700.