A recent study from the National Fire Protection Association reports that nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths (2003-2006) happened in homes with no alarm (40%) or where batteries were dead or disabled (23%). Approximately 3000 persons die in home fires each year and thousands more are injured from smoke inhalation or burns.
This weekend, Spokane Fire Department asks you to complete this checklist:
. Replace every smoke detector in the home that is more than 10 years old by first checking the manufacture date on the back label. Most carbon monoxide detectors must be replaced every 5 years.
. Check the back label to determine whether you have ionization or photoelectric smoke detectors.
. Make sure you have at least one photoelectric detector on each level of the home because we now know they are much more efficient at detecting slow-burning, smoldering fires.
. Have enough detectors for the size and shape of your home. You need at least one on each level and outside all bedroom areas. You are wise to also install them inside the bedrooms.
. If you have a problem with "nuisance" alarms from cooking or shower steam, replace the ionization detector with a photoelectric one.
. Replace all alkaline batteries and check the longer-life lithium batteries to make sure they are still working.
. Review your fire escape plan with family members and babysitters.
. Help an elderly relative or neighbor check on the condition of their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
A good smoke alarm costs about $15. Thanks from Spokane Fire for doing your part to keep home, family and community safe from the threat of fire.
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