Smoke Detector Reminder For Daylight Saving Time Switch

Potter County Emergency Management Coordinator Glenn Dunn reminds residents that the end of Daylight Saving Time at 2 am Sunday (Nov. 7) should serve as a reminder to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors:

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in home fires in half. As a 30-year fire service veteran, I have witnessed first-hand the tragedy and devastation of home fires. Roughly 66 percent of fire deaths in this country occur in homes without working smoke alarms. When you change your clocks for daylight-saving time on Nov. 7, change and test the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Please remind your friends, family and neighbors to do the same.

“Additionally, it is recommended to replace smoke alarms every 10 years and have a mix of both ionization and photo-electric smoke alarms to alert you to all types of home fires. People are encouraged to use their extra hour to help out at a local fire department. These organizations can often use extra hands to help with non-fire fighting related tasks. Reach out to your local fire department and see how you can help.”