County Fire Department offers variety of safety tips
With Daylight Saving Time set to end on Sunday, Nov. 3, the Sarasota County Fire Department is encouraging residents to use the time change as an opportunity to check and replace batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
“Almost three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that do not work, according to the National Fire Protection Association,” a county news release notes.
“When properly installed and maintained, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can save lives by giving residents an early warning and a chance to escape to safety,” the release points out.
The members of the Sarasota County Fire Department also are offering the following safety tips to the public:
- “The ‘chirping’ noise smoke alarms make could mean the battery power is low. REPLACE the batteries as soon as possible.
- “Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Write the purchase date on the back of the smoke alarm to help you remember when to replace it.
- “Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside sleeping areas. This is especially important if you sleep with the bedroom door closed.
- “Keep smoke alarms clean. Dust can interfere with how smoke alarms work, so it helps to regularly clean them.
- “Those who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms that have strobe lights and bed shakers.
“While changing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, remember to also change the batteries in weather radios,” the release continues. “This can help keep you informed in the event of severe weather.
“Cooking continues to be the leading cause of fires and fire-related injuries in residential homes, according to the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association,” the release points out. “When changing smoke alarm batteries, it is also a great time to locate and check household fire extinguishers and replace any that are out of date, especially in the kitchen,” the release advises the public. “When cooking,” it says, “keep a tight-fitting pan lid close by, or consider purchasing a fire blanket, which can be used to quickly smother a stovetop fire.
“If you cannot afford a smoke alarm or would like more information on smoke alarms, call the Sarasota County Fire Marshal’s Office at 941-861-2290,” the release notes.