San Diego Fire-Rescue Combines Forces with Energizer to Provide Free Batteries

    When you change your clocks back to standard time this weekend, it’s a great time to also change the battery in your home smoke alarms. And the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is working to get batteries to people who need them.

    The Fire-Rescue Department and the San Diego Park and Recreation Department are partnering to make nine-volt batteries available free of charge. Energizer has provided a supply of batteries to the Fire-Rescue Department.

    “It’s an annual reminder, and an important one,” San Diego Fire Marshal Doug Perry said. “There’s no question smoke alarms save lives. But too many people forget to check their batteries and replace them regularly.”

    It’s estimated 95 percent of the homes in the U.S. have smoke alarms. Yet, 60 percent of residential fire fatalities occur in homes where there are no alarms, or the alarms are not working.  

    “Sometimes the batteries are dead, sometimes people have ‘borrowed’ the smoke alarm battery to use in something else. It can be a deadly mistake,” Perry said.

    While supplies last, batteries will be available at the Recreation Centers across the City. There is a limited supply and they will be given out first come-first served.

    It’s recommended that you have a smoke alarm in all sleeping areas, one outside each bedroom and on each level of your home. Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings. Ceiling mounted alarms should be installed at least four inches away from the nearest wall; wall-mounted alarms should be installed four to 12 inches away from the ceiling.

    If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm at least four inches from the ceiling’s highest point.

    Don’t install smoke alarms near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.