ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Importance of Changing Smoke Detector Batteries
The McCook Fire Department wants to remind you to change your smoke detector batteries when you change your clocks. Only a functioning smoke detector can protect you. Never disable a detector by borrowing its battery for another use. Smoke detectors "chirp" or give some other audible signal when their batteries need to be replaced, but monthly testing and replacing the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time will ensure proper function.
Smoke Detectors - A Simple & Effective Preventative Measure
A properly installed and tested home smoke alarm with a fresh battery is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect yourself and your family from a home fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, minimum protection requires a smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Because smoke rises, mount detectors high on a wall or on the ceiling. Wall-mounted units should be hung 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. A ceiling-mounted unit should be attached at least 4 inches from the nearest wall. In rooms with pitched ceilings, mount the detector at or near the ceiling's highest point.
The McCook Fire Department wants to remind you to change your smoke detector batteries when you change your clocks. Only a functioning smoke detector can protect you. Never disable a detector by borrowing its battery for another use. Smoke detectors "chirp" or give some other audible signal when their batteries need to be replaced, but monthly testing and replacing the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time will ensure proper function.
Smoke Detectors - A Simple & Effective Preventative Measure
A properly installed and tested home smoke alarm with a fresh battery is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect yourself and your family from a home fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, minimum protection requires a smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Because smoke rises, mount detectors high on a wall or on the ceiling. Wall-mounted units should be hung 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. A ceiling-mounted unit should be attached at least 4 inches from the nearest wall. In rooms with pitched ceilings, mount the detector at or near the ceiling's highest point.