ST. LOUIS, MO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 20, 2006 -- Americans can cut the chance of dying in a
home fire nearly in half by adopting the simple lifesaving habit of
ensuring they have a working smoke alarm. This is why the International
Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Energizer® Max® brand Batteries and
more than 5,800 fire departments across the country are speaking out with a
simple message, "Change Your Clock Change Your Battery®."
Working smoke alarms help save lives in home fires. It is a simple concept
yet approximately 1,000 children under the age of 20 die annually in house
fires -- an average of nearly three children each day. So make fire safety
a priority by reminding your families, friends, and neighbors to use the
"extra hour" to change their smoke alarm batteries on Sunday, October 29,
when they change their clocks (from Daylight Saving Time).
A simple habit can save a life
"The smoke alarm located in the main floor hallway in our home sounded when
a bird's nest caught fire in our chimney," said homeowner Rosemarie Saar.
"It was late evening and we were in our lower level. The smoke alarm
alerted us to take quick action and get out of our burning house without
any injuries."
It is a simple message that speaks volumes -- change the batteries in your
home smoke alarms when you change your clocks in the fall. Even though 96
percent of American homes have smoke alarms, 23 percent do not have at
least one smoke alarm that works, mostly due to worn or missing batteries.
So, approximately 26 million homes are at needless risk for home fire
fatalities due to non-working smoke alarms.
"Fire fatalities most often occur when families are sleeping. Many people
believe they will awaken from the smell of smoke. Unfortunately by the time
people actually smell the smoke, it is often too late," says Chief Jim
Harmes, president of the IAFC. "A working smoke alarm can provide critical
extra seconds many people need to safely get out of a fire. We have been
saying it for 19 years now, but that simple act of changing smoke alarm
batteries is truly a lifesaver."
According to Robert Neimeyer, a 44-year veteran fire firefighter and
current Fire Chief for the City of Brentwood, Missouri has seen first hand
the importance of home smoke alarms. "In addition to saving lives, we have
seen that smoke alarms have made families aware of fires sooner, thereby
lessening the damage in many home fires."
19 years of saving lives
In the mid-80s, the IAFC and Energizer recognized a disturbing trend --
despite widespread use of smoke alarms, the number of home fire deaths and
injuries continued to increase. Research showed non-working smoke alarms
were often responsible. The Change Your Clock Change Your Battery®
program was created out of this concern in 1987. Now in its 19th year, the
Change Your Clock Change Your Battery message reaches millions of children,
senior citizens, and families in communities nationwide.
"When we started this program with the IAFC back in 1987, we had no idea
how far this lifesaving message would go," says Jeff Ziminski, vice
president of marketing at Energizer. "What has become clear through the
years is that together we are helping to save lives. We have been able to
help reduce home fire casualties through public education about the
importance of home smoke alarms and proper smoke alarm maintenance."
Five common reasons home smoke alarms do not function properly
-- Battery has not been replaced in a timely fashion.
-- Battery has been removed for use in another device such as a toy.
-- Battery has been removed due to "chirping sound," which actually
indicates the battery needs to be replaced!
-- Smoke alarm has not been cleaned regularly.
-- Smoke alarm is aged and possibly contains outdated parts or
technology.
Each of these reasons is easily remedied by either simply replacing the
smoke alarm battery and/or the actual smoke alarm.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs
The IAFC is a non-profit association representing nearly 13,000 chief fire
officers and emergency services leaders worldwide. Its members are the
world's leading experts in fire fighting, emergency medical services,
terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search &
rescue, and public safety legislation. The organization champions fire
safety and prevention through efforts such as Change Your Clock Change Your
Battery.
About Energizer
Energizer Holdings, Inc. (
NYSE:
ENR),
www.energizer.com, headquartered in
St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of primary
batteries, battery-powered devices and flashlights. Energizer, a global
leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power geared toward
the new digital revolution, offers a full portfolio of products including,
the Energizer® MAX® premium alkaline brand; Energizer® e2®
Lithium® and Energizer® e2® Titanium Technology® performance
brands; Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable batteries and chargers;
and miniatures brand batteries.
The Energizer product line also includes specialty batteries for hearing
aids and medical devices, as well as for keyless remote entry system, toys
and other uses. Through its flashlight unit, it brings innovation to this
important household device. Energizer continues its role as a technology
leader as it launches Energizer® Energi To Go™, portable
battery-driven power packs for cell phones, portable games and audio
devices.
Contact Information: For more information, contact:
Wendy Bain
314-995-3939 x110
Samantha Leavitt
314-995-3939 x101
