NBFD – Every six months, you hear from fire fighters – when you change your clock for Daylight Saving Time, change your smoke alarm batteries. This is more than a slogan. Fire fighters see firsthand that smoke alarms save lives. A working smoke alarm gives you and your loved ones more time to escape safely in the event of a fire. Statistics back this up. Nearly two-thirds of all home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarm. With a few simple fire safety precautions and preparation twice a year, that number can be greatly reduced. Changing your smoke alarm battery is important, but there is more you can do to protect your family in the event of a fire in your home. First, make sure you have the most up-to-date smoke alarm. Fire fighters recommend replacing any smoke alarm after 10 years, and that you have the correct type of smoke alarm. Photoelectric smoke alarms are more effective at warning of smoke from smoldering fires, while ionization smoke alarms are quicker to alert you to free-burning fires. With that in mind, and realizing that the sooner the alarm sounds, fire fighters recommend installing a combination photoelectric and ionization smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside of every bedroom and on each floor of your home. Fire Fighters understand that in an emergency, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death. In addition to properly installed and working smoke alarms, practice evacuating your home. Make sure that your family has at least two ways of escape from your home, including bedrooms. This may include drawing up a map to show both exit paths. Test the alarm for its loud warning so that all family members know the sound, then practice exiting the home as if it were an actual emergency. Having a predetermined meeting place once you leave the home will help fire fighters quickly know if everyone is out of the house and, if not, where they need to search first. Most important of all, remind your family that once they are out of the house they should stay out until fire fighters give the all clear to re-enter. So, remember, when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time, City of North Bend fire fighters encourage you to take a few moments to check your smoke alarm – and go the extra step for fire safety to keep your family safe. Be safe, From All of us at North Bend Fire & Rescue.
