Daylight savings fire-safety tips

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October 31, 2009

Anonymous The Press Republican Sat Oct 31, 2009, 11:28 PM EDT

PLATTSBURGH — State officials are reminding residents to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors when Daylight Saving Time ends today.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working alarms.

"Smoke alarms are one of the best safety devices you can buy," Firemen's Association of the State of New York President Thomas J. Cuff Jr. said in a news release.

"Daylight Saving Time is the perfect time to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. A task that only takes a minute or two can ultimately save so many lives."

To help keep detectors working properly, officials suggest that residents test them each month, keep them free from dust, never paint over them and change the batteries at least once a year.

Though detectors alert people to fires, officials said families still need to develop and practice escape plans.

At least one smoke alarm should be installed on every floor of a home. It should be mounted on high on walls or on ceilings, away from windows.

More information about smoke-detector safety can be found at www.nfpa.org.