While making sure that all clocks are set to the correct time after the Daylight Savings Time change, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) encourages consumers to make sure they have installed properly working smoke and CO detectors in their home and to replace batteries in those detectors.
According to the CPSC Residential Fire Loss Estimates report, there are more than 366,000 residential fires each year, which result in more than 2,300 fatalities. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes that two-thirds of residential fire deaths occur in homes without properly functioning smoke detectors.
The CPSC recommends that smoke alarms be placed outside sleeping areas, in each bedroom, and on every level of the home.
Smoke and CO detector batteries need to be changed every year and the detectors should be tested every month to ensure that they are working properly. Lack of maintenance is not the only circumstance under which a smoke or CO detector may fail, increasing the chances of a fatal or injury causing house fire. If a smoke alarm or CO detector is defectively designed or manufactured, it may not work properly, even if it has new batteries.
Product manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of consumers. If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries as the result of a defective smoke alarm, the New Jersey fire injury attorneys at Blume Forte can help you determine if your potential claim has merit. Call us at 973-845-4421 to learn more about your legal rights.