Time to change batteries in smoke detectors

The Laconia fire Department urges everyone to change the batteries in their smoke detectors this weekend in conjunction with moving clocks forward an hour for daylight savings time. It's become a tradition in the spring and fall to make sure your family and home is safe from the threat of fire by replacing batteries and testing smoke detectors when the clocks are changed. Most people underestimate the threat of fire and they underestimate how much time they have to react to a fire.

According to Fire Chief Ken Erickson, smoke detectors improve the chance of surviving a fire by fifty percent.

If you have electric smoke detectors be sure to test them. If you do not have smoke detectors go buy at least one. Place it on the ceiling outside the bedrooms.

If your smoke detectors are more than ten years old it is highly recommended that you replace them. Recent studies by the National Fire Protection Association indicate that older smoke detectors are not working properly and they are giving a false sense of security. A smoke detector will not last forever.

As part of a public service project the Laconia Professional Firefighters have purchased batteries for smoke detectors. The intent is to provide these batteries free to families that cannot afford to buy replacement batteries. The free batteries are available at the Central Fire Station on North Main Street. The supply is limited.