Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 a.m. this Sunday, March 9, and the Fire and Rescue Department reminds citizens that this weekend is the perfect opportunity to change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

According to preliminary figures from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, 82 people died as a result of fires in 2007. “Working smoke alarms are key to preventing deaths due to fires,” said Rob Brown, Fire and Rescue Chief. “Fire alarms are triggered by smoke and toxic gases, providing people with enough time to escape before flames can reach them. Make it a habit to change batteries regularly on a date you’ll easily remember, such a birthday or anniversary, or twice each year when the time changes.”

Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of the home, especially near bedrooms. They should be mounted high on ceilings or walls. Ceiling-mounted alarms should be installed at least four inches away from the nearest wall. Wall-mounted alarms should be installed four to 12 inches away from the ceiling. Never paint a smoke detector, and remove dust and cobwebs regularly. The Virginia Department of Fire Programs recommends replacing smoke detectors every seven to 10 years.

The batteries in carbon monoxide detectors should also be changed at least once a year. These devices should be installed near sleeping areas and outside the furnace room. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas emitted by gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces, fireplaces, gas or oil hot water heaters, and motor vehicles. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. If undetected, carbon monoxide poisoning can result in death.

Low-income residents who cannot afford smoke detectors may contact the Fire and Rescue Department to obtain them at no cost. Special smoke detectors for the hearing-impaired are available for free. Individuals should visit the department located in the Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building, located at 1225 Courthouse Road, or call (540) 658-7200. They can also visit their local volunteer fire department to request free smoke detectors and have them installed at no cost. They will need to provide their address, phone number and size of their home so that the correct number of smoke detectors can be installed.

For a listing of all volunteer fire and rescue stations, citizens can visit the Fire and Rescue Department Web site at http://www.staffordfirerescue.com.   

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