Eric Smith, Fire Chief
8 School St.
Gloucester, MA 01930
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Gloucester Fire Department Reminds Community to Change Clocks and Batteries During Daylight Saving Time
GLOUCESTER — Fire Chief Eric Smith and Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken of the City of Gloucester are urging residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when setting clocks back an hour for daylight saving time.
Daylight saving begins Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 a.m.
“Testing and changing smoke alarms is extremely easy but it is also extremely important,” Chief Smith said. “Ensuring that your detectors are working is vital for the safety of yourself and loved ones to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.”
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. The Gloucester Fire Department asks that all business owners not only change the batteries in their clocks, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.
In order to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief Smith recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
• Replace batteries when you change your clocks.
• Make sure that everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (life-long) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
The replacement process is fairly simple and most can be purchased at the local hardware store. Many fire protection companies can also provide this service.
The Gloucester Fire Department continues to educate its residents and bring awareness to fire and life safety issues. For more information on smoke detector safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Gloucester Fire Department at 978-281-9760 option 2.
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