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Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs with an Important Reminder: November 6, Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® USE THE EXTRA HOUR THIS WEEKEND TO REMIND FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO CHANGE THEIR SMOKE ALARM AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR BATTERIES AND MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE IN OUR COMMUNITY November 2, 2011 — Daylight-saving time ends Sunday, November 6, and marks the 24th anniversary of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® (CYCCYB) program, sponsored by Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, which reminds us to change and test the batteries in our smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This message is simple and the habit can be lifesaving. The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department reminds our residents that one easy step can help save their lives and the lives of those around them. Everyone is encouraged to use the extra hour they “gain” from daylight-saving time to change the batteries in their own smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, test the alarms and remind friends, family, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same. Communities nationwide witness tragic home fire deaths each year, but, everyone can work together to help reduce the number of home fire fatalities. Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits home fire safety devices were designed to provide. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries. “Eighty percent of child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms. It’s a tragic statistic that could be reduced by adopting the simple habit of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program,” says Bill Bounds, Captain of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department. Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms and reminding others to do the same are some of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce these tragic deaths and injuries. Additionally, the International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends that smoke alarms in homes should be replaced every 10 years and having both ionization and photo electric smoke alarms are best to alert people to all types of home fires. Why This Program is Lifesaving “The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most families are sleeping,” says Bounds. “Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely.” In addition, Bounds recommends residents not only use the “extra” hour they save from the time change to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and to plan and practice escape routes, but also to make sure fellow neighbors and community members do the same. Families should also prepare a fire safety kit that includes working flashlights and fresh batteries. Tragically, home fires injure and kill thousands each year. Those most at risk include: •?Children — Home fires kill 500 children ages 14 and under each year. Roughly three-quarters of child fire fatalities under age 15 occurred in homes without working smoke alarms. •?Seniors — Adults 75 and older are 2.8 times more likely to die in a home fire. •?Low-Income Households — Many low-income families are unable to afford batteries for their smoke alarms. These same households often rely on poorly installed, maintained or misused portable or area heating equipment — a main cause of fatal home fires. Pass it On Twenty-four years ago, Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs recognized a disturbing trend that many home fire fatalities were taking place in homes without working smoke alarms. So through the years, the two have worked together along with thousands of fire departments nationwide on the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program to help reduce this number by reminding communities to check, change and test their smoke alarm batteries. Beginning October 10, visit www.facebook.com/Energizerbunny to join the Energizer Bunny® Brigade and take the pledge to change your smoke detector and carbon monoxide batteries. When you do, you’ll be entered to win a home fire safety makeover and smoke detectors. And please share with your friends and families so they can join the Energizer Bunny® Brigade as well. A working smoke detector doubles your chance of surviving a home fire. In addition, people are encouraged to use their extra hour gained to help out at a local fire department. Eighty percent of fire departments are volunteer fire departments and they can often use extra hands to help with non-fire fighting related tasks. Reach out to your local fire department and see how you can help. For more information about fire safety, contact the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department at 410-641-8272, or call the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery hotline 314-727-5700, x108.