HOUSTON – The Houston Fire Department is reminding people to change the batteries in smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarms when resetting clocks for daylight saving time.
The HFD said any smoke detectors more than 10 years old or not working should be replaced with 10-year battery smoke detectors.
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Statistics show that more than 30 percent of home and apartment fires the department responds to are in residences without a working smoke detector.
The HFD also recommends changing batteries on carbon monoxide alarms, as carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless and can kill you before you are aware it is in your home.
Fire officials said those who use furnaces should have them professionally inspected every year.
Should the carbon monoxide alarm sound, the house should be ventilated with fresh air by opening windows and doors.
The HFD reminds people to have an evacuation plan in the event a smoke detector goes off, adding that it's important that everyone have a specific escape plan.