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Change the Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms This Weekend

http://onsafety.cpsc.gov/blog/2015/10/28/change-the-batteries-in-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-this-weekend/

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 1. That means it's time to turn clocks back one hour AND put fresh batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. This is important. Your alarms need new batteries every year to work properly.

Did you know that three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or homes without working smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association?

CPSC estimates that between 2010 and 2012 there was an average of 360,400 unintentional residential fires. These fires resulted in nearly 2,200 deaths, nearly 13,000 injuries and nearly $6.5 billion in property damage each year.

Batteries should be replaced in smoke alarms, unless the alarms have sealed, 10-year batteries.

Where should you put your smoke alarms in your house? Smoke alarms go on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas.

Carbon monoxide alarms are also important to have in your home. Carbon monoxide is called the invisible killer. That's because you cannot see carbon monoxide or smell it. This poisonous gas can come from a variety of sources and can quickly incapacitate and kill its victims.

Each year from 2009 to 2011, there were an average of 160 reported carbon monoxide deaths involving consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction, including portable generators and home heating systems.

Where should CO alarms be in your home? It's different from smoke alarms. CO alarms should be installed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and CO alarms now. Keeping your home and family safe is that easy.
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