The Phoenix Volunteer Fire Company of Hollidaysburg has a simple but powerful reminder for all members of our community this weekend.
When you change your clocks for daylight saving time, change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and please remind your friends, family and neighbors to do the same.
Twenty-five years ago, Energizer and the International Association Of Fire Chiefs recognized a disturbing trend that many home fire fatalities were taking place in homes without working smoke alarms. The Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program was developed to help reduce and hopefully, one day, eliminate this number.
Along with thousands of fire departments nationwide, Energizer and the IAFC have been reminding communities to check and change their smoke alarm batteries and to make sure their alarms are working when they set their clocks.
Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fire structures in half.
As a 55-year fire service veteran, I have witnessed firsthand the tragedy and devastation of home fires. It's even more heartbreaking when a young life is cut short. Thousands are injured and killed each year from home fires.
Overall, almost 66 percent of home fire deaths in this country occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
Considering that residential fire deaths peak in winter months, it is critical to check and change your smoke alarm batteries each and every fall.
Robert E. Kerns
Fire Marshal, Hollidaysburg
