Change smoke alarm batteries when “falling back” with time change, fire authorities say

As residents gain an extra hour of sleep as they “fall back” early Sunday morning when Daylight Saving Time comes to end, fire department officials also encourage changing smoke alarm batteries when adjusting the clocks.

Smoke detector batteries should be changed at least twice a year to ensure they’re working properly, and fire authorities recommend making the potentially lifesaving change a habit at the beginning and ending of Daylight Saving Time.

Lt. Jon Evans, spokesman with Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue, said it’s especially import for residents to check smoke alarm batteries because batteries may have been drained during power outages caused by Hurricane Matthew.

Many smoke detectors are hard-wired and were running on battery back-ups, meaning those batteries are probably drained or may be near to going dead, Evans said.

Batteries older than 10 years should automatically be replaced, he also said. Anyone within the city needing assistance changing or checking batteries can call the MBFR. Those in other areas needing assistance can call their local fire department for help.

MBFR crews will be out at Home Depot Oak Forest Lane and Neighborhood Wal-Marts at 38th Ave North and Farrow Parkway Sunday morning distributing flyers to educate the public about smoke alarm safety tips.

In addition to changing smoke detector batteries, the National Fire Protection Association offered the following safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.

• Test your smoke alarms every month.

• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.

• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

This story was originally published November 5, 2016 at 4:33 PM with the headline "Change smoke alarm batteries when “falling back” with time change, fire authorities say."