The Lombard Fire Department reminds residents to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they set the clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 7, 2021.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, roughly three out of five fire deaths happened in homes with no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that were not working. Help keep your home and loved ones safe, make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries. The following is information to help make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries, accounting for the multiple types of smoke alarms on the market and their varying battery requirements:
- 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.
- When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. The manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.