Today, March 8, marks Daylight Saving Time when the United States springs forward.
You’ve probably already set with many computers and smartphones now changing the time automatically.
Remember safety, too, on Daylight Savings Time Day by changing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Although many devices and clocks will adjust automatically, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms need a your attention.
Fires
In 2023, there were 1.4 million fires, 3,670 deaths, 13,350 injuries, and $23.2 million in dollar lost, the U.S. Fire Administration estimates.
Overall trends for residential building fires and losses for the 10-year period of 2014 to 2023 show the following:
- A 9.1 percent increase in fires.
- A 15.9 percent increase in deaths.
- A 12.3 percent decrease in injuries.
- A 16.3 percent increase in dollar loss.
CO poisoning
Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.
Safety tips
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly to make sure they are working. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends installing smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas.
- Change the batteries: Batteries should be replaced in alarms at least once each year, unless the alarms have sealed 10-year batteries. Replace the smoke alarm if it’s more than 10 years old.
- Practice a fire escape plan: Make sure there are two ways out from each room and a clear path to outside from each exit. Once out, stay out.
Remember, safety first to avoid preventable fires and CO poisonings.
