FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2005
Release #06-015
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Patty Davis, (301) 504-7908
GAMA Contact: Michael Blevins, (703) 525-7060 x235
CPSC and GAMA Issue Consumer Alert
Don't Forget to Replace Smoke and CO Alarm Batteries This Weekend as Daylight Saving Time Ends
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) are joining
forces to urge consumers to replace the batteries in their smoke alarms
and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms when changing their clocks this Sunday,
October 30th.
"Working smoke and CO alarms can help protect your family from a fire or
carbon monoxide (CO) hazard in your home," said CPSC Chairman Hal
Stratton. "Take the time to put fresh batteries in your alarms. That
simple step could save your life."
"CO is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas that consumers cannot see or
smell," said GAMA President Jack Klimp. "We are concerned that consumers
may not be sufficiently aware of all the potential sources for CO in the
home. These sources include an automobile engine running in an attached
garage; a fuel-burning appliance that is installed improperly or
connected to a blocked or leaking vent system; or a portable
gasoline-powered generator, charcoal grill or camp stove improperly used
indoors."
In addition to replacing batteries in smoke and CO alarms at least once
every year, CPSC recommends testing them monthly. Smoke alarms should be
placed on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and
inside each bedroom. CO alarms should be installed outside each sleeping
area. Battery backup is an important consideration for those alarms that
are powered by your home's electrical system.
In 1999, an estimated 2,390 people died in residential fires, 14,550
were injured and 337,000 residential fires were reported to fire
departments.
Recent studies indicate that children under 16 and hearing-impaired
older adults may not always be awakened by smoke alarms. Therefore, CPSC
recommends that home fire escape plans factor in a family member who
does not respond to the smoke alarm and that escape drills be practiced
during the day and night. CPSC staff is looking into ways to improve
smoke alarm audibility for children as well as hearing-impaired older
adults.
While about 90 percent of homes have smoke alarms, far fewer have carbon
monoxide alarms. Between 1999 and 2002, carbon monoxide associated with
consumer products killed an average of about 140 people each year.
According to CPSC and GAMA, a CO alarm provides an added measure of
protection against carbon monoxide poisoning from all potential sources
in the home. The best way to make sure that gas appliances do not become
a source of CO is to have a professional inspect your installed
appliances annually.
Remember to never use gasoline-powered generators, camp stoves, and
charcoal grills indoors or in enclosed spaces. They can generate high
levels of deadly carbon monoxide.
Both CPSC and GAMA recommend consumers purchase CO alarms that meet the
requirements of UL 2034 or CSA 6.19.