The following is a release from the Hinsdale Fire Department:

The Hinsdale Fire Department urges residents to change their smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries when changing their clocks for daylight savings time on Sunday morning at 2 a.m. 

The National Fire Protection Association reports that a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation approximately every three hours. In fact, home fires kill 540 children, 14 years old and under, each year. Having a working smoke alarm and CO detector can provide those crucial extra seconds to escape a burning home. Therefore, it is critical for families to adopt the life-saving habit of the "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" program to keep their families safe. 

When checking your detectors, make sure they are a minimum of 12 inches from any corner on the ceiling, at the bottom of the basement stairs, the top of any stairs to the second and third floors and within three feet of any bedroom. There should be one on the first floor away from the kitchen, and preferably within a few feet of any attached garage. When installing a new detector, write the date installed on the back of the unit.

This is also a great time to review home fire safety practices with family members. Your family escape plan should include two ways out of the home and a meeting place once everyone is out. And take the time to practice this plan at least three or four times a year. Also, don’t forget to include reviewing fire safety practices for your children who are in college and living in college housing units.

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact the fire department at 630-789-7060 or fire@villageofhinsdale.org.