As residents prepare to “spring” forward and move their clocks up one hour for daylight saving time this Sunday, March 11, the Lombard Fire Department encourages residents to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
“Moving your clocks forward for daylight saving time is an excellent reminder to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” said Fire Marshal Perry Johnson. “The simple act of changing the batteries in these devices could save your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Worn-out or missing batteries are the most commonly cited reason for non-working smoke alarms. However, changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms, and reminding others to do the same is the simplest and most effective way to reduce tragic fire injuries or deaths.
To help make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries, based on the type of smoke alarm, follow the smoke alarm safety tips below:
- Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
- Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
- This year, consider replacing removable battery-operated smoke alarms with units that have built-in/sealed batteries. The batteries in these units will not need to be changed for the life of the smoke alarm, which is ten years.
Additionally, it's important for residents to familiarize themselves with the New Illinois Smoke Alarm Law: Since 1988, all dwellings in Illinois have been mandated to have smoke alarms. Effective January 1, 2023, single and multi-family homes still using smoke alarms with removable batteries must install new alarms with 10-year sealed batteries. Exemptions apply to homes constructed after 1988 already equipped with hardwired smoke alarms, as well as homes utilizing wireless integrated alarms employing low-power radio frequency communications, Wi-Fi, or other wireless Local Area Networking capability.
For more fire prevention information and resources, visit www.villageoflombard.org/204/Fire-Prevention-Public-Education or call (630) 620-5750.