Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire. That’s the message behind this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!”
Along with fire departments and safety advocates nationwide, the Brattleboro Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-11, to remind local residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home and testing them monthly.
In a fire, seconds count,” said Brattleboro Fire Chief Mike Bucossi. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. A fire can double in size every minute, home smoke alarms can alert a person to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.”
Smoke alarms are also a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are the most important device you can have in your home. They provide essential early warning of a problem so you and your family can safely escape.
Deaths from fires and burns are the third leading cause of fatal home injuries. On average, seven people perish each day in U.S. home fires, and older adults are the age group most likely to die in a home fire. In the United States in 2013 there were 487,500 structure fires, causing 2,855 civilian deaths and 14,075 civilian injuries. As of early September of 2014 there have been 1,522 residential fire fatalities.
“Three out of five home fire deaths occurred in homes without working smoke alarms, which emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility when it comes to protecting yourself and your family from fire,” says Chief Bucossi. “Installing and maintaining these alarms could save a majority of the lives lost in home fires. We have certainly seen several cases locally where smoke alarms made the difference.”
What kind of smoke detector should you get? There are two basic kinds: photo electronic, and ionization. Photo electronic ones are better at detecting smoldering fires, which create lots of smoke, but little actual fire at first. They’re your best bet for most places. Ionization detectors work best for rapidly spreading fires in combustible materials, where there are lots of flames, but little smoke. If you’re going to have one in your kitchen, go with an ionization model. That will also reduce the likelihood of them being triggered by cooking. Smoke detectors are your most important fire safety weapon, and it’s imperative that you have them in your home, and that they’re in good working condition at all times.
If you have any questions about smoke alarms or other fire prevention information please call the Brattleboro Fire Department at 254-4831 or your local fire department.
Brattleboro Fire Department
103 Elliot Street * Brattleboro, VT 05301 * 802-254-4831 FAX: 802-257-2323
Michael Bucossi
Fire Chief
Peter Lynch
Assistant Chief
PRESS RELEASE
