Check your smoke alarms

As area residents prepare to fall back with the end of daylight saving time, local fire departments remind everyone to check batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and to test that they are functioning.

Homeowners who have alarms with sealed-in batteries should check that the alarms are still operational.

Twelve fire-related deaths have occurred in Nebraska in 2019, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Working smoke alarms save lives. Three of every five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms or in homes lacking smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. One-fourth of all smoke alarm failures are caused by dead batteries.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm tips:

• Test alarms at least once a month by using the test button.

• If you have a smoke alarm with a removable battery, check the batteries every six months and change the batteries every year. If a battery is beginning to lose power, the alarm will usually chirp to warn you. Do not disable the unit.

• Vacuum or blow out dust that might accumulate in the alarm.

• Do not paint a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.

• Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of a home, including the basement, and in or near each bedroom.

• Keep smoke alarms away from windows. Drafts may interfere with operation.

• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan.

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing smoke alarms and replacing the batteries.