SWFD reminds us to keep smoke alarm batteries up to date

For 12 years, the South Walton Fire District (SWFD) has participated in the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ campaign “Change your Clock -Change your Battery”, reminding citizens to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks this Sunday, November 7, 2010.

“Smoke Alarms – A Sound You Can Live With!” SWFD is so committed to this belief that the Fire District will install and replace batteries in smoke detectors for South Walton residents who are senior citizens, disabled, or families in need, at no charge. Remember, the life of a smoke detector is 10 years. If your detector is 10 years old or older, it should be replaced.
Some alarming facts:
•    Every year, approximately 3,000 people lose their lives in home fires, and most of those deaths are among the elderly, the disabled, the low income, and the very young.
•    Home fires account for four of every five fire-related deaths and three of every four fire-related injuries.
•    Many of these deaths may have been prevented if a working smoke detector was in place.
•    More than 90% of homes in the U.S. have smoke detectors, but a third are estimated to have dead or missing batteries.
•    Remember – turn your clocks back on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 2:00 a.m. or before you go to sleep.
For more information about smoke detectors, fire safety and developing a home escape plan, contact Fire Marshal Sanchez at the South Walton Fire District, 911 N. CR 393 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 at 850-267-1298 or visit your nearest fire station and our website at www.swfd.org