Fire Department Says Change Your Smoke Alarm Batteries Along With Your Clocks

As our nation moves back to Standard Time beginning this weekend, the Mill Valley Fire Department encourages you to mark the occasion as a time to replace the batteries in all of your smoke alarms and then perform a test to confirm the detectors operate appropriately. 

Everyday in the United States, needless home fire deaths occur. Unfortunately, this tragedy occured in San Rafael a few days ago. Working smoke alarms significantly increase your chances of surviving a deadly home fire. A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you are asleep of awake, a working smoke alarm is on alert and scanning the air for fire and smoke.  

In addition to changing your smoke alarm batteries this weekend, the Mill Valley Fire Department recommends following these simple steps to protect your life, your loved ones and your home:

1.  Dust or vacuum all smoke alarms when you change the batteries.

2.  Test your smoke alarms once a month using the test button.

3.  Replace the entire smoke alarm if it is more than 10 years old.

4.  Install smoke alarms on every level of your home including the basement.

5.  For the best protection, equip your home with a combination ionization and photoelectric smoke alarm or alarms.

6.  Make sure everyone in your home understands the sound of an activating smoke alarm and knows how to respond. The Mill Valley Fire Department is here to answer any questions you might have regarding smoke alarms.  Click here to view the U.S. Fire Administration's website regarding helpful information on smoke alarms.