Fire Prevention Week October 3rd-9th

SMOKE ALARMS

Did you know that three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in residences without working smoke alarms??

This is an “alarming” fact. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are a simple way to equip your home with life-saving tools, but they are only beneficial if they are working.

Here are some simple steps to take to assure your family’s safety if a fire occurs:

• Choose interconnected smoke alarms if you can so when one sounds they all sound.
• Put smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area and on every level of your home.
• Make sure your smoke alarms work. Your family is not safe if they can’t hear the smoke alarms.
• Test smoke alarms every month and replace 9-volt batteries at least every year if they are not self-contained.
• Smoke alarms do not last forever. Get new smoke alarms every 10 years.
• When you hear a smoke alarm, you may have less than 2 minutes to get everyone outside and safe.
• May sure you have an escape plan and that all members of your family know what to do if the smoke alarms go off.

For more information and tips on smoke alarms and fire escape plans, visit usfa.fema.gov/fire-prevention-week.html