In most of the United States, Daylight Saving Time begins on the 2nd Sunday in March and reverts to Standard Time the first Sunday in November. We “Spring Forward” and “Fall Backward” every year.
To ensure that we don’t “fall backward” on safety, this marks an excellent time to do a home safety evaluation. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms be checked once a year. Their figures show that around ninety per cent of homes in the United States have smoke alarms; however one-third of those are estimated to have dead or missing batteries. They also recommend that smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years. Some newer types of alarms have remote controls, making it easier than ever to check them.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be:
Installed on every level of the home, and in sleeping areas
Tested once a month
Equipped with new batteries annually
Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and have a fire escape plan for every member of the family. While you are doing your home safety evaluation, also ensure that your door locks function properly, and keep your home locked.
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