Northeast News
Oct. 31, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — With Daylight Savings Time ending Sunday, Nov. 2, the  Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department wants to remind residents to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they change their clock.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, a working smoke detector increases a person’s chances of a safe escape from a fire by more than 50 percent. Residents who do not own a smoke detector and live in a single-family residence may obtain one for free by visiting their local fire station and filling out a form. Free smoke detectors are not for owners of multiple rental properties or apartment complexes. Rental property owners are required by code to provide working smoke alarms for their renters.

The KCFD recommends that residents install at least one smoke detector inside every sleeping area and on every level of a home. Smoke detectors should be tested on a monthly basis, and their batteries should be changed twice a year. For more information, please call the KCFD Fire Prevention Division at 816-784-9100.