HOME & FIRE SAFETY

Simple steps to protect your family from fire, carbon monoxide and other threats

(StatePoint) While life can be complicated, sometimes the simple solutions are the best ones, particularly when it comes to protecting your family from household hazards.

The “Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries” program espouses that philosophy. For the 29th consecutive year, the campaign led by the Energizer brand and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, has reminded families of the life-saving habit of changing and testing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when most of the country sets their clocks back at the end of Daylight Saving Time. This year, that is November 6.

Contributed photo

SMOKE DETECTOR — On Sunday, November 6, 2016 Mainers will set their clocks back one hour to mark the end of Daylight Saving Time. Fire safety officials also remind you to change your smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries, too. It’s easy, it’s simple, and it might just save a life.

A whopping 50 percent of home smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have non-working batteries, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

“A home that contains smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is only safer if these devices actually work,” says Michelle Atkinson, chief consumer officer, Energizer. “Testing your devices and updating their batteries are simple and critical steps to keeping your family comfortable and secure.”

Atkinson also points out that these days; many families rely on more than these traditional safety devices to protect their family and home. Investigate new smart devices and apps offering security and peace-of-mind, such as lights, locks and security systems that are connected to the Internet and your smartphone.

“Smart connected home technologies are keeping families safer, when operational,” says Atkinson. “Remember, these tools, along with flashlights and other home safety devices require reliable battery power as well.”

Take this opportunity to update batteries in all your devices that enhance home security and comfort.

Safety advocates say preparing your family is crucial. Make sure everyone, especially children, knows what your alarms and detectors sound like and what to do if they go off.

A critical yet simple safety practice is to keep flashlights with fresh batteries at your bedside for help in finding your way out of your house and signaling for help in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Also, keep a stash of high-quality 9V, C, D and AA batteries to power vital safety devices whenever necessary. For long-term protection, opt for batteries designed to prevent damaging leaks, like Energizer Max and Ultimate Lithium batteries.

More safety tips and resources can be found at energizer.com/homesafety.

Changing your clocks? Energizer reminds you to change your batteries, too. It’s easy, it’s simple, and it might just save a life.