Working Smoke Detectors Major Factor in Fire Safety

Sunday is the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week and officials in Washington State public safety are reminding residents of some basic steps to take to help keep their home safe.

In a press release, officials say that research from the National Fire Protection Association states that a working smoke detector cuts the chance of dying in a fire by 50 percent. Also, almost two-thirds of deaths in home fires are in residences with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

“In a fire, every second counts,” said State Fire Marshal Duffy in the same release. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires are reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.”

Officials released the following steps that anyone can take to maximize the safety from home-based fires.

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t respond properly.
• Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.

For more information, visit the official website of National Fire Prevention Week.