SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging the public to check their smoke alarms as they “Spring Forward” this weekend.
Fire Marshal Spokesperson J-C Fultz said Daylight Saving Time serves as a great reminder to make sure your smoke detectors are working, testing and replacing batteries as needed.
“We’re also inspecting, because smoke alarms have a shelf life of about ten years. So, if you find a smoke alarm that’s expired, don’t wait… go out and replace it today, because not having that protection could mean the difference between having that warning and not getting out of the house and having something bad happening,” Fultz said.
The Fire Marshal’s Office also recommends families practice their escape plan and meet in a specific area in case of fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2014 to 2018, nearly three out of every five fire deaths in the U-S occurred in homes with no working smoke detector.
