With this weekend being daylight savings time, the Manhattan Fire Department would like to remind citizens to "Change their Clocks, Change Their Batteries." The Manhattan Fire Department recommends that residents change their smoke detector batteries this weekend and test the detector to make sure the alarms work. The National Fire Protection Association reports that fire death rates are twice as high in homes with no working smoke detectors.

“When talking to victims of residential structure fires, they often report how fast the fire happened and how they narrowly escaped the fire and smoke,” stated Battalion Chief Jim Blanck. Blanck added, “In as little as three minutes, a fire can grow to a level where escape can be impossible and smoke detectors can give occupants that extra warning time to get out safely.” Smoke detectors should be installed in every sleeping room, outside every sleeping room and on every level of your home. Manufacturers recommend that residential smoke detectors be tested monthly and the replaced every 10 years.

If your family has not practiced your home fire escape plan recently, it is a good time to do that too as it may save you or a family member's life.

Please contact Fire Marshal Rick Stillwagon, Manhattan Fire Department, at 785-587-4504 with any questions.