Fire and Life Safety - Smoke Detector Safety
Smoke Detector Safety Tips
Smoke Detectors are Protectors
Most fire fatalities occur in the middle of the night, usually while people are asleep. Elderly residents and those living in rural households are especially at risk, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's U.S. Fire Administration.
Fire Safety Tips To Remember:
- Install a smoke detector on each level of your home.
- Do not disable a smoke detector when it sounds off.
- Know what to do after a detector sounds off.
- Plan a home escape route in the event of a fire. Smoke detectors are inexpensive to buy. Many models are available in a price range from $5 to $20.
Smoke detectors can be purchased at your local hardware or home center store, and in many leading discount and department stores.
Smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month. The batteries should be replaced at least twice a year when you change your clocks.
Smoke detectors provide early warning, increasing your chance for survival and allowing additional time for the fire department to save your property.
Smoke detectors - they're real protectors!
Smoke Detectors - Installation and Maintenance
Smoke detectors can protect your family
Fire is a killer. We have seen graphic proof of that in this community more than once; nationwide it claims the lives of about 6,000 people each year.
But fire deaths are preventable.
Installing smoke detectors in your home is one of the best ways to protect your family from the ravages of fire. About 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home, and about 80 percent of those happen in homes without working smoke detectors.
For the best protection, install at least one smoke detector on each floor of your house, especially outside bedrooms and other areas where people sleep. Statistics show that most home fire deaths happen at night while people are asleep.
Once you have installed smoke detectors, it is important to keep them in good working order.
Periodically, once a month or so, test your detectors to be sure the alarms sound. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from alarm air vents.
Replace batteries twice a year, or when the low-battery warning sounds.
Never remove a good battery or otherwise disable the detectors. The Stowe Township Volunteer Fire Department can provide additional information on the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors as well as fire safety measures. Just call the main fire station.