Every fall, fire departments across the country work to remind people of the simple, life-saving habit of changing and testing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when setting the clocks back for daylight saving time.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71% of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. This reinforces how important it is to take this time each year to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The Pleasant Valley Fire Department would like to remind you of the importance of batteries not only in smoke alarms, but also the full range of safety devices that help keep us safe, secure and comfortable in our homes.

Please remind your friends and family to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on November 1.