NASHVILLE, TN. * Tennessee State Fire Marshal Leslie A. Newman would
like to remind Tennesseans to “Change Your Clocks, Change Your
Batteries” this Sunday for daylight savings time.

Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. The smoke and
toxic gases generated by a fire can cause you to sleep more deeply,
making the chances of survival worse. A working smoke alarm will double
your survival chances by giving you the critical time needed to escape
before it*s too late.

Nationally, more than 90 percent of all homes have smoke alarms, but it
is estimated that one-third of them don’t work due to old or missing
batteries. It is critical to replace batteries regularly*even if they
appear to be working fine. Twice a year is recommended. This reduces the
“chirping”, indicating low batteries. All too often, the battery is
removed and not replaced, putting the occupants at risk. There’s no way
to predict when a fire will occur, and one night without a working smoke
alarm is dangerous. Replacing batteries during daylight savings time is
an easy way to remember that task.

Here are some other helpful hints on the importance of smoke
alarms:Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside
every sleeping area, and on each level of the home. Make sure everyone
can hear the alarm and knows what it sounds like.
Smoke alarms need to be cleaned and maintained according to the
manufacturer*s instructions.
Have a fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and teach it to
your children.
When the smoke alarm sounds, get out of the home immediately and go to
your pre-planned meeting place.

*Smoke alarms, even those that are hard-wired, should have their
batteries replaced regularly, and be tested monthly to ensure you have
the protection you need when you need it,* says Tennessee State Fire
Marshal Leslie A. Newman. *Use the extra hour when we fall back to make
sure your home and family are fire safe.*

Many local fire departments have supplies of donated smoke alarms, and
departments will help install them in the homes of the elderly and
disabled. For more information, visit www.tennessee.gov/commerce.