Sunday, April 2 is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, the day we “spring forward” and move our clocks ahead one hour. It’s also the day we replace our smoke alarm batteries.  The Pinellas Park Fire Department recommends that smoke alarm batteries be replaced twice a year.  So, while you’re changing your clocks, why not slip some fresh batteries in your smoke alarms.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms fail most often because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries. 

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips:
·        Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home and outside each sleeping area.
·        Because smoke rises, alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings.  Place wall mounted alarms 4-12 inches from the ceiling. Position ceiling mounted alarms 4 inches away from the nearest wall and away from corners.
·         Do not place smoke alarms near a window, door or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with their operation.
·        Test smoke alarms once a month by using the alarm’s test button.
·        Clean the units in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions so that dust does not interfere with smoke alarm’s operation.
·        Replace all smoke alarms immediately upon moving into a new home.
·        Keep batteries in smoke alarms; do not borrow them for other purposes. 
·         The average life span of a smoke alarm is about 10 years.  Replace your smoke alarms if they are 10 years old or older. 
·        While smoke alarms alert people to fire, families still need to develop and practice home fire escape plans so that they can get out quickly.