FEMA Blog

Posted by: Rich Serino, Deputy Administrator

As we spring forward an hour for Daylight Savings, it’s a great reminder to make sure you have a working smoke alarm in your home.  Smoke alarms significantly increase your chances of surviving a deadly home fire, so we’re encouraging everyone to take simple steps to be prepared:

• Test and clean your smoke alarms today and on the first of every month
• Replace the batteries at least once a year
• Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence and in every bedroom
• Check the manufacture/expiration date on the smoke alarm (yes, smoke alarms have expiration dates)

And I also wanted to turn your attention to this article from the Portland Fire Department that tells the story of how a family’s fire escape plan saved the lives of two young girls and their mother, so please remember to practice your family escape plan --- it can literally save your life.

For more information about home smoke alarms and fire sprinklers, visit www.usfa.dhs.gov/smokealarms.

Please share these tips with your friends and family, and if you're on Twitter, join in the conversation by using the hashtag #imprepared after you test your smoke alarm.

- Rich