Smoke Detectors

Did you know? Eighty percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.

Having a working smoke alarm more than doubles one's chances of surviving a fire. Nearly half the residential fires and three-fifths of residential fatalities occur in homes with no smoke alarms. Following these simple fire safety tips can boost survival rates dramatically. Please share them with your readers because knowledge is the best fire protection.

Smoke Alarms Life-Saving Tips

Place a smoke alarm on each level of your home and outside all bedrooms.

Check smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button. If you cannot reach the button easily, use a broom handle.

Change the batteries in your alarms twice a year - perhaps when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do - leave the building immediately by crawling under the smoke when they hear it sound.

If cooking smoke sets off the alarm, do not disable it. Turn on the range fan, open a window or wave a towel near the alarm.

Do not remove the batteries to put in other appliances such as personal stereos or games.

Smoke alarms wear out over time. Replace yours if it is 10 years old or more.

Consider buying a lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which will operate for 10 years and is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.