Wind clocks back, check smoke detectors

By Staff
Jason Cannon
Franklin County Times
If you haven't already set your clocks back an hour, you may be early to church.
As of 2 a.m. this morning, daylight savings time ended, meaning those of us who forgot to wind our clocks back an hour may be running a little ahead of schedule.
While homeowners are walking through their homes and seeking out all their clocks, the Russellville Fire Department encourages everyone to take a little extra time and change the batteries in their smoke detectors.
"Having a working smoke detector in your home will double your chances of getting out alive in the event of a fire," Russellville Fire Marshal Bobby Malone said.
Smoke alarms batteries need to be replaced at least once per year, regardless of their power source.
"Hard-wired with a battery backup or battery-powered smoke alarms should be tested at least once per month, and the battery should be replaced at least once per year," Malone said. "Testing once a month is important because a lot of people don't have 9-volt batteries lying around and some people steal them out of the smoke detector to put them in the remote control or a kid's toy. If you test it once a month, you're more apt to remember to have spare 9-volts on hand."
Even if you are one of the many families who routinely check their household smoke detectors, Malone said there was one fact many homeowners are not aware of.
"A lot of people don't realize it, but a smoke detector should be replaced at least every 10 years or so," Malone added. "They can lose their detection sensitivity which means it will take more smoke to set them off."
Malone also advised homeowners to be sure to clean smoke detectors at least twice a year as dust and cobwebs can affect the sensitivity of the device. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to gently dust the smoke detectors.
"This removes dust and cobwebs that can hamper the detector's sensitivity," Malone said.