Are you ready University City? It seems like just yesterday that we turned our clocks back an hour and here we are about to spring forward. San Diego County and the Fire Safe Councils remind you to change your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night, March 7, for Daylight Saving Time. And while you’re at it, check to make sure all your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working. Typically, you just need to press a button to hear the alarm activate. If it beeps, the battery is still good.
Generally, all smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years to ensure that continued protection is in place. This simple step can save your life or your loved ones. More than half of fatal home fires occur from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half by having a working smoke alarm installed, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
For older adults who may not be able to evacuate as quickly or who may need assistance, smoke alarms are particularly critical. National safety statistics indicate that people 65 or older are two times more likely to die in a house, and that quadruples for those older than 75, according to the Burn Institute.
If you’re a senior without working smoke alarms, the Burn Institute wants to help with its Senior Smoke Alarm Program, which offers people over 62 who own their homes free smoke alarms and installation in San Diego County. For more information, contact the Burn Institute at burninstitute.org.
For related posts from UCCA, visit https://www.universitycitynews.org/category/sdfd/
