Fire Departments across the country are spreading the word as this week is National Fire prevention Week. “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!” are the words of wisdom and safety says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire.
According to the latest National Fire Protection Association, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
“In a fire, seconds count,” reminds Chief DiGiovanna. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.”
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. This way, when one sounds, they all do. Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t respond properly. Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.
For additional information visit NFPA’s website at www.firepreventionweek.org.
Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
