Spring Forward, Change Smoke Detectors

Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend, and Patch urges residents to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when they spring forward.

The time change will take place at 2 a.m. Sunday.

Do you have enough smoke detectors in your home or business? Both the Miller Place and Rocky Point Fire Departments have pages dedicated to information about smoke detectors.

According to the MPFD page, "The detector itself should be mounted on the ceiling at least 4 inches from the wall. If you mount the detector on the wall (Not recommended), the detector should be 12 inches from the ceiling. The areas mentioned are considered a dead air space. Keep detectors away from cooking and shower areas by approximately 10 feet."

And the RPFD page: Although we like to feel safe at home, about two-thirds of our nation's fire deaths happen in the victim's own home. The home is where we are at the greatest risk and where we must take the most precautions. Most deaths occur from inhaling smoke or poisonous gases, not from the flames.