Twice a year – at the start and at the end of daylight saving time – clocks must be reset, and it’s the perfect time to “Change Your Clocks Change Your Batteries” in smoke detectors. Daylight saving time ends (set clocks back an hour) at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6.
In an effort to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention, free 9-volt batteries for smoke detectors will be available from 11:35 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today, Thursday, Nov. 3, outside Off-Campus Student Services, located in the lower level, Murray-Herrick Campus Center.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 96 percent of American homes have at least one smoke alarm; however, an estimated 19 percent of them do not work, primarily because of missing or dead batteries.
This battery giveaway is offered as a reminder to check and replace the batteries in smoke detectors.
“Change Your Clocks Change Your Batteries” is funded by the Michael Larson Memorial Fund and sponsored by USG, Public Safety and the Dean of Students Office. The fund was established through a donation by the family of Michael Larson, a St. Thomas sophomore who died in a house fire in 2010. The purpose of the funding is to promote fire prevention and smoking cessation programs.
For more information email Josh Hengemuhle, area manager for Off-Campus Student Services, or Rachel Harris, director of strategic student initiatives and chair of the Michael Larson Memorial Fund Committee.
