From the Fire Chief's Corner

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 19, 2025 (San Diego) - On March 9^th we changed our clocks "back" for daylight savings. Did you change your smoke detector batteries and check their condition asks Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occurred in homes without working smoke alarms. Since most fatal fires occur at night, it’s essential that every home have working smoke alarms to provide an early warning.

Eighty percent of child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms additionally Adults 75 and older are 2.8 times more likely to die in a home fire.  A working smoke detector doubles your chance of surviving a home fire.

Change Your Clocks – Change Your Batteries

Batteries in a smoke alarm should be changed at least twice a year, even if they are hardwired into the electrical. A good time to remember to check your smoke alarm and change the batteries is when you change your clocks twice a year as daylight saving time begins and ends.

Placement

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, in the hallways leading to the bedrooms, and on each level of your home including the basement. Smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceiling 4” from the wall; wall mounts should be 4-12” from the ceiling. Do not install near draft areas such as windows or vents. Call your local fire department if you are unsure about placement.

Smoke Alarm Maintenance

In addition to changing the batteries twice a year, you should test your smoke alarm every month by simply holding down on the test button. Vacuum your alarm at least once a year. Dust and cobwebs can impair sensitivity. Never paint over a smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

When the Alarm Goes Off

If the alarm goes off crawl low to the ground under the smoke and exit your home quickly. Don’t try to take anything with you, just get out. Once safely outside, go to your family meeting place to ensure that everyone got out safely. Once you’re out, Stay out!

Make sure to prepare and practice an escape plan including a family meeting place. Just like schools practice fire drills, families should also practice what to do if their smoke alarms go off.

Remember, almost every day a smoke alarm saves somebody’s life!

Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s). We make no guarantee of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.