Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, so get ready to turn your clocks back. The SJRFD is reminding residents of the importance of changing and testing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when setting the clocks back for daylight saving time.

Fire officials are providing the following safety tips for residents:

• Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep. Often the victims never wake up.
• Changing smoke alarm batteries when changing your clocks, testing these alarms, and
  reminding others to do the same are some of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce
  these tragic deaths and injuries.
• Working smoke alarms provide an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape.
  This is particularly important for those most at risk in a home fire, such as children and
  seniors.
• Test your smoke alarm(s) at least once a month using the “test button”.
• Smoke alarms should be replaced when they are ten (10) years old and five (5) or more
  years old for a carbon monoxide detector. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
  installation and should they malfunction, replace them immediately.
• Install a smoke alarm on every level of the home including the basement. In addition,
  there should be one in every bedroom and outside sleeping areas.
• If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery immediately.
• Make sure your family has an emergency escape plan in place. Practice the escape plan
  every six months