Massachusetts Fire Department reminds people to take life-saving measures with arrival of daylight savings time

RAYNHAM — Chief Bryan LaCivita and the Raynham Fire Department would like to remind people to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when setting the clocks ahead for daylight saving time.

Daylight saving begins on Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m.

“Not all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are the same, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your devices to ensure your detectors are replaced at the correct age,” Chief LaCivita said.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50% and, on average, three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

The Raynham Fire Department asks that all business owners not only change the batteries in their clocks, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to continue to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief LaCivita recommends that people follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:

-Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace alarms immediately if they don’t respond properly.
-Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when you change your clocks.
-Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
-CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
-If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay in that spot until emergency personnel arrive.
Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.