Check Smoke and CO Alarms This Weekend as Daylight Saving Time Begins
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2006
Release #06-128
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7800
Check Smoke and CO Alarms This Weekend as Daylight Saving Time Begins
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms when changing their clocks this Sunday, April 2nd. CPSC advises consumers to replace the batteries in smoke and CO alarms to ensure they are protected.
Also, some manufacturers recommend that consumers replace smoke alarms every 10 years and replace CO alarms every 5 years. The sensors in these devices can degrade because of environmental contamination and from age.
"Working smoke and CO alarms can help protect your family from a fire or CO hazard in your home," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "Take the time to check that your alarms are working properly. That simple step could save your life."
CO is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas that consumers cannot see or smell. Sources of CO include an automobile engine running in an attached garage; a fuel-burning appliance that is installed improperly or connected to a blocked or leaking vent system; or a portable gasoline-powered generator, charcoal grill or camp stove improperly used indoors.
In addition to replacing batteries in smoke and CO alarms at least once every year, CPSC recommends testing them monthly. Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom. CO alarms should be installed outside each sleeping area. Battery backup is an important consideration for those alarms that are powered by your home's electrical system.
Between 1999 and 2002, an average 2,490 people died in residential fires, 14,310 were injured and 351,500 non-intentionally set residential fires were reported to fire departments.
Recent studies indicate that children younger than 16 and hearing-impaired older adults may not always be awakened by smoke alarms. Therefore, CPSC recommends that home fire escape plans factor in a family member who does not respond to the smoke alarm and that escape drills be practiced during the day and night. CPSC staff is looking into ways to improve smoke alarm audibility for children as well as hearing-impaired older adults.
While about 90 percent of homes have smoke alarms, far fewer have carbon monoxide alarms. Between 1999 and 2002, unintentionally non-fire carbon monoxide poisonings associated with consumer products killed an average of about 140 people each year.
According to CPSC, a CO alarm provides an added measure of protection against carbon monoxide poisoning from all potential sources in the home. Remember to never use gasoline-powered generators, camp stoves, and charcoal grills indoors or in enclosed spaces. They can generate high levels of deadly carbon monoxide.