Oct.   30, 2015

RESIDENTS   REMINDED TO CHANGE SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM BATTERIES THIS WEEKEND

Daylight Saving Time   Comes to an End this Sunday

Contact:
  Patti Roberts

Patricia.roberts@flhealth.com

(850)-892-8015 X 1116

Walton County, Fla. – Halloween isn’t the only activity to look forward to   this weekend – Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. The   Florida Department of Health encourages residents to replace batteries in all   smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. This simple measure can help prevent   unintentional injuries.

“This   weekend is a good time to replace alarm batteries in your home and review   emergency plans with your family,” said Holly Holt, Administrator of the Florida   Department of Health in Walton County. “I also encourage you to check   with older family members and neighbors to ensure their alarms are all in   working order.”

According to   the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), three out of five fire-related   deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or homes without working smoke   alarms. It only takes a few minutes to review where your smoke and carbon   monoxide alarms are located in your home, replace the batteries and check   that all parts function properly. Because the gas is colorless and odorless,   carbon monoxide alarms are important to have in all homes.

Here   are a few additional smoke alarm safety tips from NFPA:

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• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each        sleeping area and on every level of your home;
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• Test your smoke alarms every month;
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• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay        outside; and
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• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.       

It is vital   to create and assess your home fire escape plan and exit routes at least once   a year. Daylight Saving Time serves as a good annual reminder to make sure   all members of your household understand what to do during an emergency.

For more   resources on smoke alarms, visit https://www.nfpa.org/smokealarms.  

About the Florida Department of   Health
 
  The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people   in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
 
  Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla   and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of   Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.