Batteries Plus To Give Away 9-volt Batteries During National Fire Prevention Week. More Than 200 Stores Will Educate Consumers, Promote Smoke Detector Safety

HARTLAND, WISCONSIN (Monday, September 29, 2003) - In an effort to ensure that every household in America has a working smoke alarm, Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest retail chain focused on the expanding $20 billion battery category, will give away hundreds of 9-Volt batteries and educate consumers about smoke alarm safety during National Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, 2003.
Batteries Plus 213 locations nationwide are participating in the annual effort by giving away one 9-V battery per household during store hours throughout the week. In addition, numerous Batteries Plus stores have coordinated events with local fire departments involving touch-a-truck, fire safety quizzes and contests and other fire prevention educational activities.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that approximately 370,000 homes in the United States are the scenes of fires each year and that about 80 percent of deaths from fire occur in homes. According to NFPA, a smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a fire by almost 50 percent.

“Our goal is to raise awareness that smoke alarms with functioning 9-Volt batteries help save lives,” said Russ Reynolds, President and CEO of Batteries Plus. “According to the United States Fire Administration, the number of fires that occur in homes with non-functioning smoke alarms has grown at an alarming rate over the last 10 years. As a national retailer, we are pleased to participate in important community outreach efforts, such as National Fire Prevention Week.”

A smoke alarm with functioning batteries can alert people to a fire and give them time to escape in a situation where minutes can mean the difference between life and death, Reynolds said. Experts recommend changing smoke alarm batteries when changing the clocks – the end of daylight savings time on October 26 and again in the Spring, and checking them at least once a month to ensure they are functioning.

About Batteries Plus®

Batteries Plus is the nation’s largest retail chain focused on the expanding $20 billion battery category. It provides a comprehensive selection of batteries including national and control brands, battery-related products and technical support. Stores also provide value-added services to both retail and commercial customers, including an on-site Tech Center equipped to design, assemble, rebuild, and test custom battery packs. Accounts include Fortune 500 companies, manufacturers, other retail channels, local municipalities, fire and police departments, the armed forces and school districts. Currently, Batteries Plus has 213 open locations in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 79 additional stores in development.

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