Fire Department

Smoke Alarms & Fire Escape Plans

Hopefully you remembered to change the batteries on your smoke alarms when you adjusted your clocks, if not we would like to remind you to replace them with new high quality batteries. While you’re at it, check the manufacture date. If the alarms are more than 10 years old, you should replace them. Also remember to inspect them for dust. You can use a vacuum and/or compressed air to clean them. Fire is fast, hot and deadly. It only takes minutes for thick, black smoke to fill a house. A smoke alarm can give you the extra minute or two that you need to get out of your home. Have working smoke alarms on every level, including the basement. Put smoke alarms inside each bedroom and outside all sleeping areas. Push the test button until the alarm sounds. Do this each month. Interconnected smoke alarms provide the best protection. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.

Half of home fire deaths happen late at night. A working smoke alarm can wake you up. Every second counts, so know what you’ll do if you have a fire. Make an escape plan. Know two ways out of each room. Plan your escape around the abilities of children and older adults. For more information on escape plans visit www.usfa.fema.gov For additional home fire safety information, follow us on Facebook or visit 250 W Buena Vista Blvd.

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