Fall Back: Time Changes Tonight

November 6, 2010

Tonight is time to “fall back” as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end. And, don’t forget to change  the batteries in your fire alarm.

To save lives and prevent needless injuries in Escambia County, Escambia County Fire Rescue and the City of Pensacola Fire Department have joined forces with the Energizer Battery Company and the International Association of Fire Chiefs for the 22nd year of the Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery campaign. The program urges everyone to adopt a simple, lifesaving habit — change smoke alarm batteries when changing clocks back to standard time each fall.

“The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping,” says Jim Sanders, Escambia County Interim Fire Chief. “Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and seniors are most at risk. A working smoke alarm gives them the extra seconds they need to get out safely.”

Additionally, Pensacola Fire Chief Russell Beaty recommends residents use the “extra” hour they save from the time change to test smoke alarms by pushing the test button, planning “two ways out” and practicing escape routes with the entire family. Families should also prepare a fire safety kit that includes working flashlights and fresh batteries.

For more information about fire safety, call Escambia County Fire Rescue at(850) 475-5530 or visit the county’s web site at www.myescambia.com

For information about obtaining a free home smoke alarm call (850) 595-HERO (4376).

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive