STOW – Deputy State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey reminds us that when we change our clocks this Sunday, we should also change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
“We have had 12 fire deaths so far in 2015, and the one common thread between many of them is the lack of working smoke alarms,” said Ostroskey.
Check on Elderly Relatives and Neighbors
“Please take a moment to make sure your own alarms are working, and then check on the ones in the home of a parent, grandparent or older neighbor,” Deputy State Fire Marshal Ostroskey said. This winter has been brutal and half of the 12 people who have died in fires so far in 2015 were over the age of 65; in 2014, seniors accounted for 53% of the fire deaths.
Replace Aging Alarms
“While you’re changing the batteries, take a minute to check on the age of the alarm too,” said Ostroskey. “The sensing technology wears out eventually and smoke alarms need to be replaced every ten years,” he added. Carbon monoxide alarms typically last 5-7 years unless they have a ten-year lithium battery. Ostroskey said, “An out-of-date alarm cannot be counted on to provide the needed early warning of danger.”
For more information on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, or senior fire safety, visit our webpage at www.mass.gov/dfs
