With the change of daylight saving time beginning Sunday, March 14, 2010 the Riverside Fire Department reminds you that when you change your clock, change the batteries in your smoke alarms.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, a working smoke alarm increases your family’s chances of a safe escape from a fire by more than 50 percent.

The Riverside Fire Department suggests you install at least one smoke alarm inside every sleeping area and on every level of your home.  But installation is just the first step in protecting your family from fires.  Smoke alarms also need to be tested and maintained if they are to continue to be your family’s nose at night. 

The Riverside Fire Department offer these simple maintenance tips to ensure your smoke alarms are in good working order:

Testing – Test each alarm once a month to make sure it’s operating.  Testing is the only way to ensure it’s working to protect you.  Push the test button and listen for the alarm.  If you can’t reach the alarm, stand under it and push the test button with a broom handle.

Replacing Batteries – If your smoke alarms are battery-operated, replace the batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Do this at least twice a year (an easy reminder — change your clock, change your batteries), or when the alarm chirps, alerting you the battery power is low.  Replace the batteries immediately if you move into a new home.  Make sure no one disables your smoke alarms by borrowing batteries for other uses.

Cleaning – Just as you clean your home, your smoke alarms need to be cleaned.  Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  Cobwebs and dust usually can be removed with a vacuum cleaner attachment.  If you are going to be doing work nearby that could send dust in the air, cover the alarm with a shield.  Also, shield the alarm if you are painting around it, and never paint on it.  Remove the shield promptly after work is completed.

Please Contact the Riverside Fire Department at 741-1191 for information about the free smoke alarm program or other helpful fire safety tips.

March is Severe Spring Weather Preparedness Month in Missouri because the weather transitions from snow to rain, tornadoes and flooding.

The National Weather Service, the State Emergency Management Agency and local emergency management offices will conduct the 36th annual state tornado drill at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11. The weather service will initiate the drill.

The entire drill can be completed in 15 minutes.

Once Missourians hear broadcast drill messages or outdoor warning sirens, they should practice seeking shelter. The safest shelter location is an interior room without windows in the lowest level of the building. Other school or business safe locations are basements, hallways, under staircases and designated tornado safe rooms. Once everyone is accounted for, the drill is over.

For more information on Kansas and Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 8-12, 2010) visit the National Weather Service Web site.