Novi Fire Department: Change Smoke Alarm Batteries This Weekend

-Submitted by the City of Novi

The wants to remind everyone when they change their clock on Nov. 6 to make a change that could save your life — change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector.

According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, although 95 percent of homes have smoke detectors, 20 percent do not work due to worn out or missing batteries. With the peak time for home fire fatalities between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., when most families are sleeping, an operable smoke detector most often provides the valuable time victims need to get to safety.

“The Novi Fire Department would like to help residents who can’t afford to purchase smoke alarms or those not capable of installing or testing smoke alarms,” said Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police David E. Molloy. “Working together, we can ensure that every resident is protected. Those in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the Novi Fire Department at (248) 348-7100.”

In addition to changing batteries, here are some tips to reduce your chances of being a fire victim:

• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Make sure alarms can be heard throughout the home. Install additional alarms if needed per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have an escape plan. Have at least two ways out of every room, making sure that all doors and windows can be opened without a key or special effort. Have a meeting place outside, and when you are out…stay out!
• Take the hour gained by the time change and talk about fire safety with your family.