For Immediate Release  

March 2, 2022

Contact: Brett Reed, Acting Fire Marshal

breed@cityofventura.ca.gov

Start of Daylight Saving Time reminds Venturans to

change clocks and check alarms

Ventura, Calif. — On Sunday, March 13, 2022, community members will turn their clocks forward one hour for Daylight Saving Time. The Ventura Fire Department encourages residents to use this as a reminder to engage in fire safety and prevention efforts.

“Smoke alarms are proven to save lives by giving people crucial extra seconds needed to evacuate, however, they can only do their job if they’re in proper working condition,” said Acting Fire Marshal Brett Reed. “When changing clocks, take a few extra minutes and check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms too.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, families have an average of three minutes to get out of their homes once their smoke alarm sounds. Almost three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (41%) or no working smoke alarms (16%).

Make the most of extra daylight and complete these three fire preparedness action items:

1.    Check smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms: Check each alarm’s batteries and test them monthly to make sure they are working. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries should be replaced after 10 years. If you hear a chirping sound, or nuisance alarm, never remove batteries; replace them immediately. Every home should have a working smoke alarm in each bedroom, in areas leading to bedrooms, and on each level of the home. In homes with gas burning appliances, like dryers, stoves, and furnaces, there should be a minimum of one CO alarm installed outside each sleeping area and on each level of the home. Find an informational video and print resources at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/FirePrevention.

2.    Prepare and practice a fire escape plan with family: Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it. Make sure there are two ways out from each room and a designated meeting place outside to gather in the event of an emergency. Once out, stay out.

3.    Sign-up for emergency notifications: VC Alert, Ventura County’s emergency notification system, sends important information directly to subscribers during an emergency. Alerts may include notifications about brush fires, earthquakes, flooding, evacuations, and shelters. To sign-up to receive alerts, visit www.vcalert.org or call

(805) 648-9283.

Download a “Ready, Set Go!” wildfire action plan at www.VenturaCityFire.com and follow @venturacityfire on Facebook and Instagram for more emergency preparedness and safety information.

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