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CPSC Reminds Americans to Change Smoke Alarm Batteries When Changing Clocks for Daylight-Saving Time

Release Date: April 01, 2005

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds Americans to change their smoke alarm batteries when changing their clocks for Daylight-Saving Time this Sunday, April 3. While about 90 percent of U.S. households have smoke alarms installed, a CPSC survey estimated millions of those households, about 20 percent, do not have any working alarms.

"A working smoke alarm can save lives. It's that simple and that important," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton.

Each year, an estimated 2,850 people die in residential fires, 16,000 people are injured, and more than 353,500 residential fires are reported to fire departments. CPSC recommends changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year and testing each smoke alarm every month to make sure it is working properly. Long-life smoke alarms with 10-year batteries have been available to consumers since 1995. These long-life alarms also should be tested monthly.

At least one smoke alarm should be placed on every level of the home. The most important location is near the bedrooms to provide an early warning to all sleeping occupants. A smoke alarm should also be placed inside every bedroom. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to properly install a smoke alarm.

The CPSC also urges families to plan escape routes, identify a family meeting place safely outside the home, and practice leaving their homes in the event of a fire. It is important to be aware of and remove any obstacles that may prevent a quick and safe evacuation, such as blocked exits or jammed or barred windows.

"A little bit of planning goes a long way," said Stratton. "Every family should develop a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year with the entire household."

Stratton also warns that children may not wake up from the sound of a smoke alarm. "Parents should hold a fire drill during the night so they can assess their children's ability to awaken and respond appropriately," he said. "If children, or any family member, cannot awaken to or hear the smoke alarm, the escape plan should be adjusted to help all family members get out safely."

In addition to working smoke alarms, the CPSC recommends that every home have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm near every sleeping area. Consumers also need to regularly test and replace batteries in CO alarms.

Release Number
05-146

About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years. 

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

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