REMINDER: Change Your Clocks, Batteries This Weekend

Cheyenne Fire Rescue is reminding people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms when setting their clocks back this Sunday.

Prevention Chief Byron Mathews says roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

"When smoke alarms should have worked but failed to operate, it is usually because batteries were missing, disconnected or dead," said Mathews.

The department recommends the following guidelines for smoke alarms:

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Make sure everyone in the residence understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or older.
• Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm immediately.
• For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least twice a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.

Last month, the department warned consumers about untested smoke and carbon monoxide alarms being sold online.

Mathews says several companies, including Alert Plus, Alert Pro, Aricon, BQQZHZ, Elvicto, Lecoolife, MODOAO, Sunnec and Vitowell, are claiming their devices have been certified to meet fire safety standards when they have not.

For more information on what alarms are being sold without qualified testing, contact Cheyenne Fire Rescue at (307) 637-6311.

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