CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Division of Fire is asking residents to check their smoke alarms before daylight saving time begins.
“A house fire is often a race against the clock,” said Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke. “Early notification from a working smoke alarm gives residents time to escape and enables firefighters to arrive in time to minimize the damage to the house and contents. Every second counts.”
Cleveland fire officials say that smoke alarms should be on every floor of a house, including the basement and where anyone sleeps. If your smoke alarms do not make a sound, or are 10 years old, Cleveland fire recommends that you should replace them.
How to check smoke alarms
Residents can check their smoke alarms by pressing the button on the face of the alarm until it makes a sound indicating it is working.
Operation Save a Life
The Cleveland Division of Fire has a partnership with the American Red Cross, which provides free smoke alarms installed by Cleveland firefighters. Anyone Cleveland residents in need of a new smoke alarm can contact Cleveland fire at 216-361-5535 for more information.
In addition to Cleveland fire, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon is urging residents to take a three-step approach to fire safety:
- Replacing batteries in all smoke alarms in the home
- Testing alarms to ensure they’re working properly
- Making sure alarms haven’t exceeded the expiration date
“As you set your clocks forward, I cannot stress enough the importance of also taking a few minutes to check your smoke alarms,” Reardon said. “These devices truly are a first line of defense in keeping you and your loved ones safe from a home fire; a simple test today can be a lifesaver tomorrow.”
