ANAHEIM, CA - (March 9, 2012) - Anaheim Fire & Rescue urges residents to replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms this weekend for Daylight Savings Time which begins on Sunday, March 11.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) there was an average of 386,300 residential fires resulting in nearly 2,400 deaths annually between 2006 and 2008. Two-thirds of these fire deaths occurred in homes where there were no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. That is why it is so important to have a smoke alarm on every level of the home, replace batteries at least once every year, test alarms every month and remind friends, family and neighbors to do the same. Additionally, smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

CPSC also estimates there was an annual average of 183 unintentional non-fire CO poisoning deaths associated with consumer products between 2006 and 2008. CO is an odorless, tasteless and poisonous gas, and because of this, people may not be aware they are being poisoned. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of fuel in various products, including furnaces, portable generators, fireplaces, cars, and charcoal grills. A new law aimed at preventing senseless CO poisoning in the home went into effect on July 1, 2011. California Senate Bill 183 requires all existing single family homes install carbon monoxide alarms on every level and outside each sleeping area.

Finally, prepare and practice an escape plan so that you and your loved ones can get out of your home safely during an emergency.

For more information on fire safety and preparedness, please visit www.anaheim.net/fire.

Media Contact: Maria Sabol, (714) 765-4012 office, (714) 620-6234 cell

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ABOUT ANAHEIM – The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is one of California's most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 343,000 residents and more than 2,950 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.5 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, and the Professional Arena Soccer League Anaheim Bolts. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.

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