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NEWS BRIEFS
Time change a reminder to change smoke detector batteries
HUNTINGTON — Ohio’s Division of the State Fire Marshal reminds everyone to change their smoke detector batteries this weekend, according to a press release issued this week. Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 14.
Fire marshals and firefighters from across the region recommend residents change their smoke detector batteries twice a year. They suggest to do so at the beginning and ending of daylight savings time.
“The facts speak clearly — only a working smoke detector can save your life,” said Marshal Cooper in the Ohio Fire Marshal’s prepared release. “You are doing more to affect the fire safety of your family and home than any other action you could take.”
Cooper said residents can greatly reduce fire deaths and injuries by replacing the batteries and testing the smoke detector once a month.
As of March 8, 34 people had died in 28 fires reported to the Ohio Fire Marshal’s office. Smoke detectors were confirmed present at eight of the fire scenes, or 29 percent. Those detectors were functioning at only three scenes, or 11 percent.
