Monterey Fire Department reminds you that clocks spring forward for Daylight Savings Time Sunday, March 11, 2018. This is a perfect opportunity to ensure your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms are operating properly and to replace batteries in units that do not have non-replaceable 10-year batteries.
“Hear the Beep Where You Sleep: Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!”
According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half when there are working smoke alarms. While research shows that most U.S. homes have at least one smoke alarm, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Large homes may require more alarms. Test your smoke alarms every month, and replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
The newly-released NFPA report “Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires” reveals data from 2009-2013 that underscores the importance of working smoke alarms. Information includes:
An average of 940 deaths per year occurred in homes with no smoke alarms, while an additional 510 occurred in homes with smoke alarms that failed to operate. This accounts for 59 percent of all home fire deaths.
The death rate in homes without alarms or without working ones was 1.18 deaths per 100 reported fires, compared to only 0.53 in homes with working devices.
Alarms operated correctly 87 percent of the time in reported fires large enough to activate them. Power source problems are the leading cause of smoke alarm failures. Hardwired devices were more likely to operate than those that were battery-powered.
The lowest death rate was seen in homes that contained both hardwired smoke alarms and sprinklers.
When homes did have working smoke alarms, victims were more likely to have been located in the place of origin, to be 65 or older, to have a physical disability or to have tried to fight the fire themselves.

Testing Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms should be maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well. The instructions are included in the package or can be found on the internet.
Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
If you have questions or would like additional information on Smoke Alarms, please contact Monterey Fire Prevention Bureau at 831.646.3900.