Write a commentTwo-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without a working smoking alarm, according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). The Oswego Fire Department reminds you to not only change your clock for Daylight Savings Time but the batteries in your smoke alarms, too.
“Saving your life can be as simple as changing your smoke alarm batteries once a year and replacing smoke alarms every seven to 10 years,” says Oswego Firefighter Mark Kapuscinski. Special smoke alarms are even available for those who are hearing impaired.
The NFPA reports that working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. Research has also demonstrated that photoelectric smoke alarms are more effective at warning people of smoke from smoldering fires than ionization smoke alarms. With earlier warning, people have more time to escape a burning structure and call to 911.
Your local fire fighters recommend installing a dual purpose smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside of every bedroom and on each floor of your home.
“You should also install carbon monoxide alarms in your home and check them once a month,” says Oswego Fire Chief Jeff McCrobie. Carbon monoxide fumes are poisonous and will increase the intensity of a fire if ignited.
Smoke alarms should be installed inside every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
More than 2,300 people die each year in home fires. Having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms greatly increases your chance of survival if your home catches on fire.
If your home needs smoke alarms, please call us at (315) 343-2161. Our on duty firefighters will visit your home to install new smoke alarms free of charge.
In the case of an emergency, please call 911
