LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Clark County officials are reminding residents to change smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries and exercise extra caution on roadways as daylight saving time ends this weekend.
Clocks turn back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday. Clark County officials say the time change reduces daylight hours, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians and bicyclists during evening commutes.
County officials say they support the annual #Dusk2Dawn road and pedestrian safety campaign created by UNLV’s Transportation Research Center. The campaign reminds pedestrians and motorists of safety measures when days are shorter and visibility is reduced.
Safety recommendations for drivers and pedestrians
According to a media release, Clark County officials encourage drivers to slow down and pay close attention to pedestrians as the sun sets. Officials are also reminding pedestrians and bicyclists to wear reflective gear or lights to help drivers see them and never assume drivers can see them in crosswalks.
“We are asking motorists and pedestrians to be extra cautious when there is less daylight due to the time change,” said Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft. “Tragically, most fatal crashes involving pedestrians occur between dusk and dawn when it’s harder for motorists to see people on streets and sidewalks. It is critical that drivers slow down, pay extra attention, and use their headlights.”
County officials say drivers should obey posted speed limits and stay focused while driving. At the same time, pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers when crossing roadways and only cross streets at crosswalks and intersections.
Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector maintenance
Public safety officials recommend fall as an ideal time to ensure working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
“We encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the fall and the spring each year,” said Clark County Fire Chief Billy Samuels. “This is a life-saving habit that can keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire or a problem with carbon monoxide levels in your home.”
According to a media release, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels burn incompletely. Fuel-burning items that could produce dangerous CO levels include automobiles, charcoal grills, fireplaces, woodstoves and gas appliances such as dryers, stoves and water heaters.
Officials say to keep garage doors open when running vehicles or motors, and ensure vents for dryers and furnaces are clear. Generators should be used in well-ventilated locations away from windows and doors. Gas and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
Safety device guidelines
Officials said CO detectors and smoke alarms typically fail because batteries aren’t working.
Tips below are provided by Clark County:
Smoke alarm tips:
- Smoke alarms more than 10 years old need to be replaced. Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button; replace immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
- Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and how to respond.
- Chirping alarms are a warning sign that that battery is low and needs to be replaced.
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
- Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer’s instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling.
- Smoke alarms with strobe lights and vibration devices are available for hearing impaired people.
CO alarm tips:
- Install in a central location outside each sleeping area of a home.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for placement and height.
- Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
- Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.
For more information, visit Clark County’s website.
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