Risk of dying in home fire cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms, National Fire Protection Association says
As Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 2, the Sarasota County Fire Department is encouraging residents to use the occasion as an opportunity to check and replace batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
“The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association,” a news release says.
“When properly installed and maintained, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can save lives by giving residents an early warning and a chance to escape to safety,” it adds.
The following are safety tips from the Sarasota County Fire Department, included in the release:
- “The ‘chirping’ noise smoke alarms make could mean the battery power is low. REPLACE the batteries as soon as possible.”
- “Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Write the purchase date on the back of the smoke alarm to help you remember when to replace it.
- “Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working
- “Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside sleeping areas. Closed doors may slow the spread of smoke heat and fire.
- “Keep smoke alarms clean. Dust can interfere with how smoke alarms work, so it helps to regularly clean them.
- “Those who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms that have strobe lights and bed shakers.
“While changing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” remember also to change the batteries in weather radios, the release advises residents. “This can help keep you informed in the event of severe weather.”
The release further notes, “When changing smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm batteries,” residents are encouraged to take time, as well, to “locate and check household fire extinguishers and replace any that are out of date, especially in the kitchen. When cooking, keep a tight-fitting pan lid close by, or consider purchasing a fire blanket, which can be used to quickly smother a stovetop fire.”
Anyone who cannot afford a smoke alarm or who would like more information on smoke alarms may call the Sarasota County Fire Department at 941-861-5470, the release adds.