End of Daylight Saving Time means it’s time to replace batteries in smoke alarms, weather radios

Residents encouraged to also update their Smart911 profiles

TAVARES – November 2, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — With the end of Daylight Saving Time occurring at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, the Lake County Public Safety Department is reminding residents that it is a good time to change batteries in their home smoke alarms and NOAA weather radios, and to update their Smart911 profiles.

Fire officials across the nation encourage homeowners to replace batteries in smoke alarms and weather radios when they change their clocks because it provides a convenient reminder.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 510 deaths per year were reported during 2009-2013 in residential fires where smoke alarms were present, but were not operational.

“We hope to save lives by encouraging residents to have working smoke alarms,” said Lake County Public Safety Fire Chief John Jolliff. “Smoke alarms, which work to detect smoke 24 hours a day, better protect our citizens and firefighters by leading to earlier fire detection.”

While it is recommended that batteries be replaced in smoke alarms semi-annually, the devices should also be tested at least once per month. Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, on every floor of a home and in hallways leading to bedrooms, and should be replaced every 10 years.

The Lake County Public Safety Department is also encouraging residents to update their Smart911 profiles, or if they are not signed up, to do so.

Smart911 is a free program that allows people to proactively provide crucial information to first responders before an emergency occurs. The profiles can contain contact information, residents’ medical conditions, photos of family members and the home’s floor plans.

“Safety starts at home,” said Gregory Holcomb, Division Manager/E911 Coordinator. “That is why we are asking Lake County citizens to sign up for this service, and ensure that they keep their profiles up-to-date so that first-responders have the most recent information for each household.”

For more information about Smart911, or to create or update a profile, visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/departments/public_safety or www.smart911.com.

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Lake County media contact:
Kelly LaFollette
Communications Director
Office: 352-343-9603; Cell: 352-455-0445