Most home fires occur at night when
people are sleeping. Rather than awakening you
as many people believe, the smoke and toxic gases
generated by a fire actually cause you to sleep
more deeply. A working smoke detector can double
a person's chances of surviving a fire by providing
the extra time that is critical for safe escape.
Nationally, more than 90 percent of all homes
have smoke detectors, but it is estimated that
one-third of those don't work because of old
or missing batteries.
MDFD recommends replacing smoke detector batteries
at least once a year, even if they appear to be
working fine. Regularly replacing the batteries
prevents the possibility that the detectors will
start "chirping" (indicating that the
batteries need to be replaced) when there is no
replacement battery immediately available. The
worst thing to do is to simply disconnect the detector
to stop the noise since there's no way to predict
when a fire will occur, even one night without
a working smoke detector can be dangerous. Replacing
batteries when the time changes, is an easy way
to remember that important task.
The Mdewakanton Fire Department advises having
at least one smoke detector in the hallways adjacent
to all sleeping areas. Smoke detectors (even those
that are hard-wired) should be tested monthly to
ensure that you have the protection you need when
you need it.
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