“Spring Forward”, change your clocks & check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Spring Forward

Sunday, March 14, don’t forget to “spring forward” and to set your clocks ahead one hour in observance of daylight-saving time. The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System asks that you also check the batteries in your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and practice your home escape plan.

Smoke alarms are on duty, twenty-four hours a day, scanning the air for fire and smoke, always ready to alert your family to a fire. “It’s critical that these life-saving devices are checked and tested frequently to ensure they’re working properly,” said Chief Linda Hale of the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office. “We recommend that smoke alarms are placed in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home. CO alarms should also be installed on each level and in hallways outside of sleeping areas. Early warning can provide the lifesaving seconds you may need to escape.” 

Remember, smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all. To keep smoke and CO alarms in optimal condition:

·            Test smoke and CO alarms monthly.

·            Clean away any dust or debris from the alarm.

·            Replace batteries according to manufacturer’s recommendations (alkaline versus 10-year lithium).

·            Replace all smoke alarms after 10 years OR if the alarm does not respond properly when tested.

The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System’s Smoke Alarm Program offers free home safety inspections to all residents. If your smoke alarms are broken or outdated, we will replace them with battery powered alarms at no cost and install additional alarms as necessary.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the smoke alarm hotline 703-737-8093 or visit www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms.  

Last but certainly not least, every household needs a home escape plan. s a household, identify two possible exits routes for each room and designate a safe meeting place outside. Try this easy home escape planning tool from the National Fire Protection Association! For more information on fire prevention and life safety resources in Loudoun County, please visit www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal or call 571-258-3222.

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