SFD Media Release - For more information on this release please call (509)625-7002

ISSUING OFFICER: Jan Doherty / Public Education Officer
DATE OF INCIDENT: 3/11/2011
INCIDENT TYPE: Information
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 44 W. Riverside Ave.
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99201

NARRATIVE: When you change your clocks ahead one hour to begin Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 13 please remember to also check on the condition of your smoke detectors. The sad fact is that two out of three home fire deaths happen in households without WORKING smoke detectors.
* Replace alkaline 9-volt batteries in your smoke detectors. Buy a supply of batteries to keep on hand in case your detector begins to "chirp" in the middle of the night.
* If your detectors have long-lasting lithium batteries, chirping may indicate that it is time to change out the entire smoke detector. Lithium batteries should last up to 10 years.
* Look at the labeling on the back of your detectors to find their exact date of manufacture. Smoke detectors must be replaced every 10 years. This applies to both hardwired and stand-alone battery only detectors.
* Examine the labeling on the back of your detectors 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. In a slow-burning, smoldering type of fire the photoelectric detector sounds an alarm at least 10 to 40 minutes faster than an ionization detector. In a fast-burning, flaming type of fire the ionization detector sounds the alarm 15 to 55 seconds faster.
* If you have problems with "nuisance alarms" when you cook or someone takes a shower, replace ionization detectors located within 20 feet of the kitchen or bathroom with PHOTOELECTRIC detectors.
* Know that you can purchase a good detector, ionization or photoelectric for about $15. Combination detectors that have both IONIZATION and PHOTOELECTRIC technology cost under $30.

If you have questions on smoke detectors, please call Spokane Fire Department at (509) 625-7058 or contact Jan Doherty at jdoherty@spokanefire.org.

PROBABLE CAUSE: N/A
DAMAGE EXTENT: N/A
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE:
MUTUAL AID: None Given

For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com

END OF RELEASE