Each year as the end of Daylight Saving Time approaches on the first Sunday in November, the Oak Harbor Fire Department wants to remind residents to change their smoke alarm 9V batteries when they change their clocks. Lithium long-life smoke alarm batteries do not need to be changed yearly.
Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce home fire deaths. In fact, working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half by providing an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape.
Every home in Oak Harbor should have the protection of smoke alarms. The Oak Harbor Fire Department can install batteries free of charge in homes where the homeowner is either a senior citizen, living on a low income, or has a disability. If you live outside the city limits of Oak Harbor, please contact your local Fire Department to request assistance.