As we approach the day when clocks need to be changed for the spring, the Ridgefield Fire Department is urging all residents to also take the time to check their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries.
Most fire deaths in the United States occur in residential occupancies and the vast majority of those occur in residences without a working smoke detector. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are designed to alert occupants of buildings early of an emergency so that they have time to exit the building. Smoke and carbon monoxide are released during a fire which can kill people still in the structure. The insidious effects of carbon monoxide are that it is not visible and has no smell. It puts a sleeping person into a deeper sleep. Early detection and an audible alarm are the best ways to save lives from fires and carbon monoxide leaks.
Every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector and at least one smoke detector on each floor level especially outside the sleeping areas. Some have batteries that need replacement. Please take this time of year to make sure that your home has detectors installed and that the batteries are fresh. Change your clock – change your battery!