CLEVELAND — If you hear emergency sirens Saturday evening in Cleveland, do not panic—it is just a reminder to change your smoke alarm batteries.
On Saturday, March 13 at 6:05 p.m., emergency sirens across the city of Cleveland will sound for one minute in unison to remind and urge residents to change their smoke alarm batteries when they adjust their clocks for daylight saving time this weekend.
“Working smoke alarms save lives,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson in a press release. “As you change your clocks this Saturday I encourage everyone to also change the batteries in your smoke alarms. It might just save the lives of your loved ones.”
The sounding of the emergency alarms is a part of the Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery campaign sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association and endorsed by the Cleveland Division of Fire and the American Red Cross.
In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries this weekend, Cleveland Division of Fire also recommends residents review fire safety measures including checking their smoke alarms, establishing an emergency escape route and designating a common meeting place outside of the home.
Cleveland fire stations are offering a limited supply of batteries to residents on a first come, first served basis and residents in need of smoke alarms can call 216-361-5535 to request them.
So remember, when you hear the emergency sirens on Saturday at 6:05 p.m., don’t panic—just change your smoke alarm batteries.
