Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries!

OSWEGO – Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Agency.

The city of Oswego reminds you to not only change your clocks for Daylight Savings, but to also check your smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms and change the batteries.

“Saving your life can be as simple as checking your smoke alarms,” said Oswego Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Randy Griffin.

Special smoke alarms are even available for those who are deaf or hearing-impaired.

The NFPA reports that working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.

Smoke alarms give residents the early notification that is necessary to escape a fire.

This is especially true at night when people are sleeping.

Smoke alarm placement is also a key factor in survivability.

Could you hear the smoke alarms sounding from everywhere in your home?

We recommend installing smoke alarms inside of every bedroom, outside of every sleeping area and on every level of the home.

Larger homes may need additional alarms.

For the best protection, smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one goes off, they all go off.

Smoke alarms expire 10 years from the manufacturer date, which is printed on the back of the unit.

Both property owners and their tenants share the responsibility in ensuring smoke alarms are in-stalled, maintained, and are in good working condition.

Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow said, “Property owners are held accountable to ensure smoke alarms are installed in their properties, and tenants should be responsible to test alarms monthly, and to let the property managers know when an alarm is in disrepair or a battery needs to be replaced. Smoke alarm batteries should never be removed for use in other electronic devices.”

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas emitted when an appliance malfunctions or is not vented properly.

For example, a furnace issue or a clogged chimney can cause deadly buildup of CO in the home.

For best protection, Carbon Monoxide alarms should be installed on every level of the home.

When a CO alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911.

More than 2,300 people die each year in home fires.

Having smoke alarms installed where recommended and maintained as needed greatly increases survivability.

Residents in need of smoke alarms, batteries, or help with smoke alarm installation are encouraged to call the Oswego Fire Department at (315) 343-2161 for assistance.

Firefighters routinely visit houses at the request of the homeowner to assist in replacing batteries or alarms.

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