FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHANGE YOUR CLOCK, CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS

It is that time of the year when the Newport News Fire Department reminds residents to not only change their clocks back to standard time on November 1, 2009, but to also check and make sure they have working smoke alarms.

It is that time of the year when the Newport News Fire Department reminds residents to not only change their clocks back to standard time on November 1, 2009, but to also check and make sure they have working smoke alarms.

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half by providing early warning to escape.   According to the United States Fire Administration, an estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes had working smoke alarms.   Please follow these suggestions to keep your family safe from fire:

1. Count your smoke alarms:  There should be at LEAST one smoke alarm installed on every level of your home and outside of sleeping areas.

2. Replace:  Replace any smoke alarms that have reached their life expectancy of approximately 8-10 years.

3. Maintain: Test your alarms and replace batteries if needed.  In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once a year.  Smoke alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed for the life of the alarm.  See the manufacturer’s instructions on your alarms to make sure you are maintaining and using them properly.

4. Prepare & Practice:  Develop a home escape plan and practice regular fire drills with your family.  Children need to be taught what a smoke alarm sounds like and what they should do when they hear the alarm. 

Homeowners in the City of Newport News can call the Newport News Fire Department’s Smoke Alarm Hotline at 926-8009 if they need a smoke alarm. For more information about smoke alarms and other fire safety topics, visit the Newport News Fire Department’s website at www.nngov.com/fire or you can visit the United States Fire Administration’s website at www.usfa.dhs.gov. 

###