On Sunday, March 10, clocks “spring forward” to start Daylight Savings time. This change should also prompt the change of batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and the inspection of fire extinguishers.
“The biannual tradition of Daylight Savings is the ideal time to remind residents to change the batteries whenever we change the clocks,” explained Livingston Fire Chief Christopher Mullin. “When smoke alarms or detectors fail to operate, it’s usually because batteries are missing, disconnected or dead.”
Chief Mullin advises homeowners who may have purchased newer “Ten-Year Sealed Battery” detectors that once detectors are activated upon initial installation, there is no need to replace the batteries. Tenyear sealed battery detectors are designed to operate using a “sealed” battery, so attempting to open or change the battery will render the detector useless, and it will have to be discarded.
Smoke Detectors
Working smoke alarms greatly reduce the likelihood of residential fire-related fatalities by providing an early audible warning, alerting occupants, and giving them an opportunity to escape to safety.According to the National Fire Protection Association, that is critical because three of every five residential fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms (38 percent), or without working smoke alarms (21 percent), and the majority occur at night when most people are sleeping. A properly installed and tested smoke detector with a fresh battery is one of the simplest and most effective things residents can do to protect themselves and their family from a home fire. All smoke detectors should be mounted with screws and positioned within ten feet of bedrooms and at each level of the house, including the basement (at the bottom of the stairs).
Industry standards call for smoke detectors to be replaced every ten years and carbon monoxide detectors to be replaced every five to seven years. Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous because there is no smoke or odor to give residents a warning that something is wrong. These lethal, colorless, and odorless fumes are often associated with an improperly vented furnace, hot water heater, and generators powered by gasoline or kerosene.
Carbon Monoxide
As the temperature begins getting warmer, the chance of exposure to carbon monoxide increases as residents attempt to keep warm by running heating systems more frequently and finding alternate or supplemental heating sources. There is also the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from warming up the car in an enclosed garage, as the exhaust fumes contain large amounts of this gas which can filter into your home through door openings and cracks in the walls. When warming up a vehicle in cold weather, always pull the vehicle out of the garage before allowing it to stand and idle.
“If a homeowner has only one carbon monoxide detector in the residence, it’s important that the detector be located within ten feet of the sleeping area,” continued Mullin. “Detectors in these areas protect the occupants when they’re sleeping or in a semi-conscious state. If the home has more than one detector, one of them should be located within ten feet of the utility room doors. These systems are designed to provide early detection, and they’re essential for you and your family’s safety. They really can save a life.”
Fire Extinguishers
If selling a home, Livingston residents are required to have at least one five-pound 2A:10-B:C or greater fire extinguisher, according to the Fire Code. The 2Adesignation means the extinguisher is as effective as two and a half gallons of water; the 10-B:C designation means the extinguisher fights Class B fires – flammable liquids – as large as ten square feet and is safe for use on Class C – live electrical equipment – fires. If reselling a home, the extinguisher must be wall mounted at approximately five feet off of the floor, in a visible and accessible location in or within ten feet of the kitchen. The fire extinguisher may not be placed in a cabinet, closet, pantry, or behind any doors.
For further information about fire safety, contact the Fire Department Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 973992-2373. Those interested can also go to livingstonnj.org/Fire.
