Daylight saving time 2017 ends TONIGHT on Sunday, November 5. That means it’s time to turn your clocks back one hour to standard time at 2:00 a.m. That means you get an extra hour of sleep – and everyone loves sleep.
We don’t love seeing the sun go down at 5:00 p.m. though.
The Alexandria Fire Department wants to remind you that two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without a working smoking alarm, according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Having working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.
Here are some useful fire safety tips.
- Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, as well as inside of all sleeping areas.
- You should test your smoke alarms every month.
- You should lightly dust or vacuum your smoke alarm after each test.
- The entire smoke alarm should be replaced every 8-10 years.
- Your family should plan and practice a home escape plan during your smoke alarm testing routine.
- There should be a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
- You should place a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
- You should not install smoke alarms near fireplaces or wood stoves or in the kitchen; they tend to false alarm more frequently in those areas.
- Install smoke alarms at least three feet away from any air return or air vent.
- If you have to install your smoke alarm on a wall, it should be placed four to 12 inches below the ceiling.