The South Wales Volunteer Fire Company encourages our residents to change their batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a year. An easy way to remember is to change these batteries when you change your clocks each spring and/or fall. As we "Spring Forward" and "Fall Back", it is an excellent opportunity to replace old batteries with fresh, high quality batteries to keep your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms ready to protect you and your family.
After inserting fresh batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, make sure they are working by activating the safety test buttons. The South Wales Volunteer Fire Company recommends that you test all of your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms least once each month. If you have any doubt regarding the working condition of a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm, we recommend you replace it.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
A recent study indicated that approximately 92% of American homes have smoke alarms, but nearly one-third of those don’t work, due to dead batteries or no batteries at all. A popular mistake many people make is having a battery in the alarm that is not pushed in all the way.
Keep In Mind: A smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm that is disabled due to nuisance alarms provides no protection at all.