Here it comes again – Daylight Savings Time

Yep, it’s that time of the year again, time to set the clocks forward an hour. I don’t know about you, but I think the practice is a pain and really doesn’t accomplish much of anything. But then, that’s just my opinion. However, we all can use this special called out event date for a much more important activity, an activity that literally could save our families lives. And that activity is the replacement of the batteries in the smoke detectors that are in our home. But first, test the detectors by pushing the test button to see if the unit sounds off. If it does sound off great, but that really doesn’t positively prove that the detector is operational, just that the electrical circuit is functional. This is why the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) recommends replacing smoke detectors every 10 years.

Many of us live in homes built in the 1980’s or earlier. If so, you may not have the amount of smoke detectors in the proper locations that are now required for safety. There should be a smoke detector installed in each bedroom or sleeping area as well as one in the hallway adjacent to the bedrooms. Also, last year California passed a law (yes, ANOTHER one) that requires all homes to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in them. This actually is a very good thing to do if you have propane/gas fired appliances in your home.

As long as you are double checking safety things, why not test the GFCI’s (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) in your home. Those are the electrical receptacles with the buttons on them in the bathrooms, kitchen, garage and on the exterior walls of your home. GFCI’s are required in ‘wet’ areas and wit-in 6’ of sinks. If you don’t have them, please consider getting them installed as they can really be lifesavers, and, they are so inexpensive. OK, now you can ‘leap’ safely into springtime!