As daylight saving time ends this weekend, a local fire official is reminding residents to check and change their smoke detectors.
Sparta Fire Chief Kevin Powers said many people are so caught up with changing their clocks that they forget the smoke detector batteries.
“It’s also a good time to check on how old their smoke detectors are,” Powers said. “We recommend them not to be more than 10 years old. So, if they are within that 10-year period, change your batteries. If they are older than 10 years, we recommend that you get new smoke detectors.”
Powers said smoke detectors have filters that set off the alarm. Over time, dust can collect and reduce the effectiveness of the alarm. Powers said having smoke detectors that work can be the difference between life and death.
“In my career of almost 29 years as a first responder, I have never responded to a fire where there was a fatality, where there were working smoke detectors, and they truly save lives,” Powers said. “Nowadays, fires burn a lot hotter than they did just 20-30 years ago, and that early detection when a smoke detector goes off is so critical for a resident to know and be aware of so they can react in a timely manner.”
Powers said he recommends installing one smoke detector in each bedroom, one in the hallway outside of each bedroom, and one in the living room.
“Obviously, your guards down, you’re sleeping,” Powers said. “Also, this gives you early detection that there could be a fire happening, so that smoke detector going off is so critical. Also, if we are talking about why to have smoke detectors, it’s critical to know that you know what, when you go to sleep, you need to close your door. Your door is a huge protection against you becoming seriously or fatally injured in a fire.”
Powers said people should avoid installing smoke detectors in the kitchen. Powers said cooking would set the detector off quite a bit. To check how old your smoke detector is, remove it from the ceiling, and there should be a label inside.
Powers said if you need assistance, call your local fire department.
