Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries

Submitted by the Merrimack Fire Department:

On Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 2:00 AM it’s time to move our clocks forward 1 hour for daylight savings time. Maybe winter really is coming to an end! At each time change we try to remind everyone to change the batteries in their smoke detectors. And now, we also want to include Carbon Monoxide detectors to our reminder. In the past several months New Hampshire has had several fatal fires and Carbon Monoxide poisonings in which detectors were either not installed or not working.

• Batteries should be replaced every 6 months in all smoke and CO detectors. An easy way to remember this is to change the batteries every time you change your clocks in spring and fall. Remember to test the detector by depressing the test Button after you replace the batteries.
• Whenever you change the batteries you should also vacuum out the detector. Airborne dust can build up in the sensor and reduce its sensitivity.
• All smoke detectors should be replaced when they are 10 years old. Most detectors have a tag with the manufacture date on the back or side of the unit. If there is any doubt about the age it should be replaced, as the detectors sensitivity decreases with age.
• CO Detectors are usually only effective for 5 years; check the manufacturer’s recommendations on your detector for the proper replacement interval. 

Smoke and CO detectors have proven effective in saving lives and all homes should have them. If you have any questions about this subject, or any other fire and safety related issue contact the Merrimack Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal at 603-424-3690.