State Fire Marshal reminds residents to ‘Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries’

Posted on March 4, 2020
Smoke Alaam
The chances of dying in a home fire was reduced by 54% in homes were working smoke alarms are present, according to the National Fire Protection Association. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Daylight saving time is this weekend, a good reminder to check your smoke alarms and review fire-safety plans, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“The time change serves as a bi-annual reminder to test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home,” said State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “If you find an alarm that is not working or is expired, replace the alarm immediately. Review your fire-escape plan with your family and hold a drill to practice your plan.”

The National Fire Protection Association reports between 2012-2016, almost three out of every five home fire deaths in the U.S. resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms. The chances of dying in a home fire was reduced by 54% in homes were working smoke alarms are present.

A 2017 Illinois law requires ten-year sealed smoke alarms be installed in all homes built before 1988 or that do not have hardwired smoke detectors by January 1, 2023.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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