Spring Ahead this Weekend

Change your Clocks, Change the Batteries in your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Daylight-saving time is a convenient reminder to replace batteries

The Forsyth County Fire Department encourages citizens to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as they set their clocks forward an hour as daylight-saving time begins on Sunday, March 10.

“Replacing the batteries in the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your house twice each year is a simple task that could potentially prove life-saving,” Division Chief Jason Shivers said. “A convenient way to remember to do so is by changing these batteries at the same time as you change the clocks in your home.”

The Forsyth County Fire Department recommends testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month and replacing the batteries every six months. The units themselves should be replaced every eight to ten years.

The Fire Department also reminds citizens of the following safety precautions:

• Install a smoke detector on every level of the home
• Ensure smoke detectors are clean and free of dust
• Dial 911 in case of any emergency

“The critical need for working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout every level of a home cannot be stressed enough,” Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. “It is important to remember that you have no sense of smell when you are asleep, so smoke detectors are your only hope of being alerted to a fire.”

The Fire Department’s Public Safety Education Division provides battery-powered smoke detectors free of charge for senior citizens and residents in need. To receive more details about this program, call the Forsyth County Fire Department at 770.781.2180.