FREEHOLD – Monmouth County official are urging residents as they set their clocks forward one hour this weekend for daylight saving, they should also be sure to test the smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in their homes and offices.
“Twice a year, residents should test their smoke alarms and CO detectors,” Freeholder John P. Curley said. “The spring and fall time changes are perfect reminders to test this equipment and, if your detectors are battery operated, you should change the batteries as well.”
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases the chance of surviving a deadly home fire.
A working smoke alarm can help individuals and their families to escape in the event of a fire in their home. It can also help save the lives of firefighters who would otherwise have to risk their lives by searching a burning home for residents.
A working smoke alarm continuously scans the air for smoke, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Residents with hard-wired systems should be testing their detector systems monthly and change the batteries annually. The spring time change is a perfect annual reminder,” Monmouth County Fire Marshal Henry Stryker III said. “If you do not have smoke detectors and CO detectors in your home, you should purchase and install some detectors immediately.”
Stryker recommends that residents follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions because there are differences between the various brands.
