Working smoke alarms have been proven to significantly increase your chance of surviving a deadly home fire.
Some smoke alarms today use long-life lithium batteries that may not need to be replaced. Others require alkaline 9-volt batteries that should be replaced if they are a year old. All smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and replaced if they are older than ten years or not working properly.
In addition to changing your smoke alarm batteries this weekend, Hall County Fire Marshal Scott Cagle recommends following these steps to protect your life, your loved ones, and your home:
*Dust or vacuum smoke alarms when you change the batteries.
*Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
*For the best protection, equip your home with a combination of ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor alarms.
*Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout your home so that when one sounds, they all sound. Interconnected alarms are available at most stores that sell smoke alarms.
*Make sure everyone in your home understands the warning of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
A recent poll on the Hall County Government website indicated that about half of the respondents have a home escape plan. If you don't, this is a great time to prepare one. Fire officials say practice the plan so that you and your loved ones can get out of your home safely should there be a fire. Plan to meet in a place a safe distance from the fire and where first responders can easily see you.
For more information contact Hall County Fire Services Fire Marshal' s Office at 770-531-6838 or visit our website at www.hallcountyfire.org.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/11/243308