The fires in California have a lot of people thinking about fire safety in Washington State this winter. If that's you firefighters say you should be thinking about smoke alarms.

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE A LOT OF LIVES

In fact a recent report from the National Fire Protection Association reveals that having working home smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in home structure fires by up to 67 percent. Despite the crucial finding, the State Fire Marshal’s Office reports that in 2023, about 78 percent of fire fatalities happened in places where smoke alarms should have been installed.

Smoke detector in the smoke of a fire
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DON'T THINK YOU COULD SURVIVE A FIRE WITHOUT A SMOKE ALARM

State officials emphasize working smoke alarms save lives and should be present in every home. To enhance safety, they recommend the following steps:

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom and on each level of your home, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Interconnect smoke alarms for optimal protection, allowing all alarms to sound when one detects smoke.
Use ionization alarms for flaming fires and photoelectric alarms for smoldering fires, especially in areas near kitchens and bathrooms.
Test smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries when adjusting clocks for daylight saving time.
Remember that smoke alarms are designed to last for up to 10 years; replace them as per the manufacturer's guidelines.
If residing in rental housing, contact your landlord to ensure compliance with the law (RCW 43.44.110) requiring functional smoke alarms in all rental properties.

IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD OR NEED HELP INSTALLING A SMOKE ALARM CONTACT THE YAKIMA FIRE DEPARTMENT

Firefighters urge all residents to prioritize smoke alarm safety to protect themselves and their families from fire hazards.  You can contact the YFD at 509-575-6060.

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