Springtime safety reminders

UNDATED - Twice per year, Americans adjust their clocks as the time changes. At the same time, area fire officials remind homeowners to change the batteries in their smoke alarms. But one northeast Georgia fire official says it's also a good time for an overall safety-check around your house.

Despite the reminders, thousands of people die in house fires each year, according to Dawson County Fire Chief Tim Satterfield.

"We have around 3,000 people die in home fires every year," said Satterfield in an appearance this week on WDUN's The Local Hour. "So far this year, just two and a half months into the year, we're already at 547 [deaths] nationwide."

Satterfield noted that the survival rate increases 50-percent in home fires where a working smoke detector is present.

Hall County Fire Marshal Scott Cagle confirms Satterfield's numbers. And, he reiterated the high number of deaths in fires where smoke detectors are not working. He cited the death last month of a woman in a Oakwood fire.

Both Satterfield and Cagle said in addition to checking the batteries in smoke detectors, homeowners should take the time to practice an escape route with all occupants of the home, just in case a fire should occur.

Plus, Satterfield advised homeowners to conduct a full springtime safety check of their houses. Satterfield cautioned against mixing common household chemicals.

"You're going to be doing some spring cleaning," said Satterfield. "Household chemicals, or around the pool, or paint or you know...insecticides or fertilizers...read your labels, don't mix 'em."

Satterfield suggested homeowners take a "tour" of their homes, making note of repairs that need to be made, especially those that are safety risks.