Franklin, TN –When you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time this Sunday, March 12, the Franklin Fire Department encourages you to also change the batteries in household items you rely on during an emergency.  Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and severe weather essentials such as battery-powered flashlights, cell phone chargers and weather radios should be ready to help you keep your family safe.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:  Replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” with a low battery warning.  The backup battery in hardwired alarms needs to be replaced every year as well.  There is an exception – in alarms that have 10-year lithium, or “long life” batteries, you cannot and should not replace the lithium batteries.  Replace your entire alarm according to the manufacturer’s instructions – generally 8 – 10 years for smoke alarms and 5 – 7 years for CO alarms.

Emergency power kit:  Severe weather is most likely to occur during the spring months of March, April and May.  Help your family stay safe and connected in the event of a power outage. An emergency power kit should include a battery-powered or hand crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, portable cell phone charger, a working flashlight for each family member, and extra batteries.  Candles pose a particularly dangerous risk of fires in stormy conditions, especially when there’s a potential for a gas leak.

For more information please contact the Franklin Fire Department at (615) 791-3270.

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