Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2:00 a.m. and the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department reminds residents to also change batteries in smoke alarms.
“Working smoke alarms save lives and that is why it is so critical homeowners make this a step in their safety plan,” said Fire Marshal Craig Ver Huel. “It is also important to replace the alarms every 10 years. We often get into the routine of our everyday lives and forget about checking the batteries, so we encourage everyone to do it during Daylight Saving Time. Smoke alarms give us precious seconds in the event of a fire, and can cut the risk of a fatality in a home fire in half if the occupants can get out quickly.”
Smoke alarms should be placed outside of every bedroom in the house our apartment. If a home is multiple stories, each floor should be equipped with smoke detectors. If the home has smoke alarms that are interconnected, make sure that the smoke alarms are reconnected when batteries or the alarm are changed. This will ensure that if a fire happens anywhere in the home all of the alarms will sound, providing you extra time to escape.
Should residents need assistance with changing their batteries, the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department is here to help! Residents are asked to contact the Fire Department at 515-276-5182 and schedule an appointment. Residents are asked to supply the batteries.
Tips to install and maintain smoke alarms