According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), although 96 percent of American homes have smoke alarms, many of them are non-functional. The most common cause of a failing smoke alarm is a missing, dead or disconnected battery. A working smoke alarm can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by approximately 50 percent.

Working smoke alarms will detect smoke and CO detectors will detect the presence of CO buildup. Just like smoke alarms, CO detectors should be placed outside of every sleeping area and on every level of the house to protect household occupants.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), across the United States, almost three of every five home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (40%) or no smoke alarms that are working properly (17%). CO, also known as the “invisible killer,” is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas that is responsible for 450 deaths and 20,000 non-fatal injuries every year.

Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors save lives! Changing their batteries while changing clocks twice a year is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce tragic deaths and injuries.

When changing clocks this fall, MDFR urges all residents to do a safety check around their homes by following these life-saving tips:

• Check and replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
• Replace any smoke alarms that are older than 10 years and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors older than 5 years.
• Change batteries in other electronics in the home such as clocks, thermostats, outdoor lighting, phone accessories, flashlights and portable electronics.
• Check inside the home and storage areas outdoors for hazardous materials. For those that are outdated, no longer in use or in poor condition, discard of them properly.
• Review your home fire escape plan with everyone in your household.
• Check your family's emergency preparedness kit to see what needs to be replaced or included.

Visit our website for additional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors safety information.