Lakshmi Reddi Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer | nmsu.edu
Lakshmi Reddi Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer | nmsu.edu
It is the time of year to set clocks forward at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9. This daylight savings time also serves as a reminder to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. The New Mexico State University's Fire Department advises checking these devices every month to ensure they are functioning correctly. For those without these alarms at home, it is recommended to invest in them.
The department emphasizes: "Hear a beep, get on your feet. Hear a chirp, make a change."
Regarding smoke alarms, three loud beeps indicate smoke or fire, prompting immediate evacuation and a call to 911. A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds signals a low battery needing replacement. Smoke alarms should be replaced after ten years; continued chirping post-battery replacement means the unit needs replacing.
For carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, four loud beeps indicate CO presence requiring evacuation and emergency services notification. A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds denotes a low battery that must be changed. CO alarms have end-of-life sounds that vary by manufacturer; continued chirping after battery replacement indicates the need for alarm replacement.
In emergencies or when smoke detectors activate, contacting the fire department by calling 911 is crucial.
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