MCKINLEYVILLE, CA – With the fall time change approaching, the Arcata Fire District urges residents to make a small but life-saving change: update the batteries in their smoke alarms or replace any smoke alarms that are over ten years old.

This year, on Sunday, November 3rd, as you set your clocks back, take a moment to check your smoke alarms. Across the U.S., over 62% of civilian fire deaths happen in homes without working smoke alarms.

The main reasons smoke alarms fail in homes include:

• Missing or disconnected batteries
• Dead batteries
• Batteries removed due to a “chirping sound,” which signals that they need to be replaced!
• Alarms that aren’t cleaned regularly
• Alarms older than ten years with outdated technology
• Incorrect installation or placement

These issues are easy to fix—usually by replacing the battery or the device itself.

Fire fatalities in the home are most likely between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when families are asleep. Contrary to popular belief, the smell of smoke often isn’t enough to wake someone up; a working smoke alarm, however, can be.

This is a great opportunity to review your family's fire escape plan as well. Ensure everyone knows two exits from each room and designate a family meeting place. Take time for home fire safety: check and change your smoke alarm batteries.

If you have any questions, please contact the Arcata Fire District at 707-825-2000.

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