HomeMy WebLinkAboutEFD Change Batteries
Contact: Jordan Gilgenbach, Communications Coordinator
952-826-0396 • jgilgenbach@ci.edina.mn.us • www.CityofEdina.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fire Department Reminds Residents to Check, Change Batteries
Edina, Minn., Nov. 1, 2011 – Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms can
save lives. The Edina Fire Department reminds residents to check the batteries of their smoke
and CO alarms and be sure they are in working order for the winter months.
“Homes with non-working smoke alarms cut your chances of survival in half in a fire. Carbon
monoxide is also one of the leading causes of accidental poisoning deaths,” said Edina Fire
Marshal Tom Jenson. “Smoke and CO alarms and should be checked monthly to be sure they
are working.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association, in reported home fires in which smoke
alarms were present, nearly 75 percent of homes had missing, disconnected or dead batteries.
Nearly two-thirds of fire deaths were the result of either a lack of or non-working smoke
alarms.
Jenson said residents should take these steps to ensure your alarms work properly:
Test smoke and CO alarms monthly.
Change alarm batteries annually or as soon as the alarm chirps, signaling a low battery.
A good time to change batteries is when you set your clock for daylight savings time.
Have smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level
of the home, including the basement.
Have CO alarms within 10 feet of sleeping rooms.
Replace smoke alarms if they are more than 10 years old or don’t work properly when
tested. CO alarms should be replaced after five years.
Interconnect smoke alarms so when one sounds, all the smoke alarms in your home
sound.
Prepare and practice and emergency escape plan.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly half of all fatal fires occur between November
and February. In addition, fatal fires are most prevalent between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
“Now is a good time to test and change batteries in smoke and CO alarms,” Jenson said.
“These alarms are the only thing that can alert you of an emergency 24 hours a day. Make sure
they work to provide the best protection.”
For more information, contact Jenson at 952-826-0378.
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