Citizens reminded to check batteries in smoke alarms

By Staff
Jason Cannon FCT Publisher
Russellville Fire and Rescue has joined forces with Energizer, Russellville's Five Star Pizza and the International Association of Fire Chiefs for the 19th Annual "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" campaign.
City Fire Marshal Bobby Malone said the day is designed to remind people to check and/or change the batteries in their smoke alarms when they wind back their clocks an hour this Sunday.
"A smoke detector is one of those things a lot of people just don't think about until they need it," Malone said, "Usually, it's up on the wall and you never notice it, but it can save your life it's working properly."
Energizer has provided the Russellville Fire Department with batteries to give to the public to encourage them to check and change out smoke detector batteries.
Tim Sage and Five Star Pizza has also offered help. They are offering a free battery with every delivery this weekend while supplies last. A few hungry residents will get an extra treat when a member of the city fire department delivers their pizza in the fire truck.
"The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping," Malone said. "Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths."
In addition to checking their smoke detector batteries, Malone advised residents to use the "extra" hour Sunday to test their smoke alarms and make sure each occupant of the home knows the safest exit route in the event of a fire.
"There are a lot of parts to a good fire safety plan," he said, "but it doesn't take long to develop one and it can save your life."
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