Fire Facts & Smoke Detectors

A Properly Working Smoke Detector can save your life!

Fire Facts

• A fire in your home can turn a familiar environment into a confusing maze. Develop a home escape plan and practice with your family.
• Smoke kills - most fire victims die from smoke inhalation long before the flames reach them.
• More fire deaths occur when people are sleeping, between 2 am and 6 am.
• Fires increase in size and the temperature quickly.
• According to the NFPA, you may have less than two minutes to escape your house.
• In a fire, seconds really do mean the difference between life and death. A properly located, working smoke detector can give you those valuable seconds to get you and your family outside to safety.

Facts About Smoke Detectors

Smoke Detectors are indispensable tools for life safety but they require proper installation and maintenance. Location is critical for ample warning. Caring for smoke detectors is a quick and easy task. Check the following recommendations or contact the Fire Prevention Division for any questions:

• Daylight savings time is a good day to remember to replace batteries
• Electrical (AC) powered smoke detectors should be tested monthly
• Every home should have at least one smoke detector in the vicinity of sleeping rooms and on each level of living space (including basements)
• Keep the outside cover of the detector free from dust and dirt.
• Lightly vacuum or dust from the outside
• Replace any smoke detectors that are over ten years old
• Replace batteries at least every year
• Test battery-operated smoke detectors weekly