Contact: David Douglas
Phone: 336-430-6030

Residents Urged to Change Smoke & Carbon Monoxide
Alarm Batteries for Daylight Savings Time

GREENSBORO, NC -- (March 11, 2010) -- The Greensboro Fire Department urges residents to change their smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm batteries when they turn ahead their clocks one hour for Daylight Savings Time Sunday, March 14.  

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 90 percent of US households have smoke alarms installed. However, about 20 percent of those households -- nearly 16 million -- dodn't have a working alarm. That's why Fire Department officials recommend residents test each smoke and carbon monoxide alarm monthly to make sure they are working properly and change batteries twice a year. Even long-life smoke alarms with 10-year batteries should be tested monthly.

The Fire Department offers free smoke alarms and installation, as well as free installation of carbon monoxide alarms purchased by residents themselves. To request this service, call the department at 574-4088 or visit its Web site at www.greensboro-nc.gov/FreeInstallation and make a request online.

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The City works with the community to improve the quality of life for residents through inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain the values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members. For more information on the City, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov or call 373-CITY (2489).