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Daylight savings time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, and clocks will fall back one hour.
The Morgantown Fire Department is reminding residents that when they turn the clocks back one hour they should also change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 71% of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries.
The NFPA provides the following guidelines for smoke alarms:
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button;
- Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows what to do in the event of a fire. Have a home evacuation plan, and a designated meeting place outside;
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old;
- Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested;
- Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If that type of alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away; and
- Other types of batteries should be replaced at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.
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