Press Release
EFD Reminds You to Change the Batteries in Your Smoke Alarm
11/02/2007

The Elmira Fire Department reminds residents to change the batteries in their smoke detectors and smoke alarms this weekend when changing their clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

"Smoke alarm batteries should be changed twice a year to ensure proper operation," said Elmira Deputy Chief and Safety Officer, James Sincock. "Changing the batteries when you change your clocks backwards or forwards for Daylight Savings Time is an easy way to remember that it has been 1/2 a year since the batteries were changed."

According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes had working smoke alarms.

"All structures should have at least one smoke alarm per floor, making sure that there is a smoke detector in every bedroom. All alarms should be tested at least once per month to ensure they are working properly." said Elmira Fire Chief, Gary Blitz.

Landlords are reminded that New York State Property Maintenance Code requires properly working smoke detectors: On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms; In each room used for sleeping purposes and; In each story within a dwelling unit.

Tenants should check with their landlords to ensure that all smoke alarms are working properly and ask them to replace batteries or repair any smoke alarms that are not working. If the landlord refuses to assist the tenant, the tenant should contact Code Enforcement at (607) 737-5654 or click here to submit a code complaint (can be done anonymously).

"With the start of the winter heating season, it's even more important that Elmirans check their smoke alarms and review their fire safety and evacuation plans," added Chief Blitz.

The Elmira Fire Department recommends:

• Plan and practice fire drills with all family members using alternate means of escape, including not being able to use the main exit.
• Know two ways to get out of every room in your house.
  
• Know whether your children will wake up to the sound of the smoke detector. If they don't, install a smoke detector closer to their bed or have a plan in place to wake them in case of fire.
  
• Familiarize yourself to the location of the fire alarm, pull stations, and locations of portable fire extinguishers. Know how to use portable fire extinguishers. Know which type of fire extinguisher to use depending on the type of fire.
  
• Do not use elevators during a fire evacuation.
  
• If you discover a fire, immediately alert the building occupants of the fire and do not re-enter the building. Dial 911 from a nearby location.
  
  
• Upon the activation of the smoke detector or the detection of a fire:
  
  1. Begin evacuation procedures immediately.
     
  2. Dial 911.
     
  3. Assist or direct others to the exit.
     
  4. Close doors behind you when leaving the building.
     
  5. Assemble in a designated area, away from the building.
     
  6. Take a head count to assure that everyone has exited the building safely.

For more Fire Prevention and Fire Safety tips, go to:
http://www.cityofelmira.net/fire/prevention_adults.html

and for Fire Prevention and Fire Safety tips for kids, go to:
http://www.cityofelmira.net/fire/prevention_kids.html