As Daylight Saving Time comes to an end this weekend, the Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Chief Jonathan T. Yahr are reminding residents to make safety a priority by changing the batteries in their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms when resetting their clocks.
The annual reminder is part of the national “Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery” campaign, which highlights the importance of keeping home safety devices in working order. Officials say the time change offers an easy, consistent cue for homeowners to perform this potentially life-saving maintenance.
“Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are essential components of home safety,” said Sima Clapman, Fire Prevention Specialist with the Lakewood Fire Department. “Regularly changing the batteries ensures these devices are ready to provide early warnings in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide presence, potentially saving lives.”
The campaign’s message underscores four key points:
Life-saving reminder: The end of Daylight Saving Time serves as a prompt to replace alarm batteries, not just reset clocks.
Optimal performance: Routine maintenance helps ensure alarms function properly when emergencies strike.
Simple action, significant impact: A few minutes of upkeep can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.
Community-wide commitment: The Lakewood Fire Department encourages all residents to take part in the effort, building a culture of safety across the township.
Residents are urged to take a few extra minutes this weekend to replace batteries and test their alarms. Officials note that a small, consistent effort each year can dramatically improve household safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.
For more fire safety tips and educational resources for parents, children, and educators, visit the Lakewood Fire Department’s website at www.lakewoodfd.org and click on the Safety Page.
