IN Upper St. Clair Winter 2016 | Page 12

LOOP IN THE C O N T I N U E D celebration was the first of several exciting events this year for students, volunteers, partners and their families and friends. For more information, call YYCD at 412.341.1286 or email [email protected]. RESIDENTS URGED TO CHANGE BATTERIES IN DETECTORS Allegheny County Emergency Services Chief Matt Brown reminded residents to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Battery checks on these devices are recommended around Daylight Saving Time changes to promote an easy-to-remember time of year to think about safety. “Daylight Saving Time provides a perfect opportunity to increase awareness in the community about the life-saving benefits of smoke alarms,” said Brown. “Smoke alarms can’t do their jobs, however, if the batteries have died, so checking the batteries is just as important. Age matters as well when it comes to your smoke alarms, and the alarms should be replaced every 10 years, so check the manufacture date on yours today.” If you forgot to check your devices when you turned your clocks back, please do so now. Smoke alarms detect and alert people to fire in its early stages, giving them the time needed to escape safely. When working properly, smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death. More than one-third (38%) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present. The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms, while three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. Newer models of smoke alarms have long-lasting batteries that do not need to be replaced, but thousands of homeowners still have models that use standard alkaline batteries that must be replaced regularly. No matter what type of smoke alarms are used in a home, they should be tested monthly. Most home fire deaths happen when people are asleep, between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. That’s why the U.S. Fire Administration recommends the installation of smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home including the basement. 10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Upper St. Clair