Orange County, Fl., Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend on Sunday, November 1 at 2 a.m.  Along with the time change, Orange County Firefighters urge all citizens to take a moment to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Fire Departments throughout the nation are entering their 22nd year of reminding communities of this life-saving habit.
 
Although Change Your Clock Change Your Batteries may seem like a simple slogan to remember, 20 percent of homes in the United States do not have a working smoke alarm.  This is often due to depleted or missing batteries (National Fire Protection Association). These statistics indicate that approximately 25 million homes are even at a higher risk of facing a deadly home fire. The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most people are sleeping.
Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Working smoke alarms can give you the extra seconds needed to get out safely. Orange County residents should use the "extra" hour they save from the time change to test their smoke alarms and to plan/practice a home escape route with the entire family.
Here are some tips for installing and maintaining smoke detectors:

• For maximum protection, install a smoke detector in each bedroom, on every level of your home, and in every living area.
• Mount the smoke detectors in the middle of the ceiling, at the highest point.
• If mounting on the wall, place them at least 3 feet from any corner and 4 to 6 inches from the ceiling.
• Test your smoke detectors once a month.
• Replace you smoke detectors every five to ten years.
• Vacuum the outside cover periodically to remove loose dust particles.
• Never paint a smoke detector.
• Follow all manufacturers' recommendations.

Orange County Firefighters have long advocated that every home have a working smoke detector. For many years, Orange County Firefighters have installed free smoke alarms in homes.  In the past 12 months alone, Orange County Firefighters have distributed and installed over 2,500 free smoke alarms to homes throughout the county that were not protected.  

Orange County residents who would like assistance in testing their smoke alarm, or would like help relating to the installation of their new smoke detector are encouraged to call the Orange County Fire Rescue Life Safety Education Bureau at 407-836-9081.  An Orange County Firefighter can come to your home and help you.