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Public Safety Information > Fire Safety & Prevention >

Smoke Alarms

Focus on Fire Safety: Smoke Alarms

 

INSTALL, INSPECT, PROTECT

Every year, approximately 2,600 Americans die in home fires.  Over half of these deaths (52%) occur between the hours of 10:00pm and 7:00am, when residents are typically sleeping. Smoke and toxic gases from a home fire are as deadly as heat and flames.  Just two or three breaths of toxic smoke can render you unconscious.  The majority of fire victims die or are injured from exposure to smoke and toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, not actual burns.  In addition, smoke obscures vision, decreasing your ability to escape.

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Smoke alarms save lives, prevent injuries, and minimize property damage by detecting fires early and alerting residents, allowing crucial time to escape.  The risk of dying from a fire in a home without working smoke alarms is twice as high as in a home that has working smoke alarms.

INSTALL Smoke Alarms​
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  • On every level of your home

  • Outside of bedrooms or wherever people sleep

  • Inside every bedroom

  • Away from air vents or registers and other spaces with high air flow

  • Best location: on the ceiling in the center of the room, at least 12 inches from any wall

  • Second best location: on a wall 12 inches below the ceiling

MAINTAIN Smoke Alarms​
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  • Always follow the manufacturer's written instructions

  • Test alarms every month (press the test button)

  • Change batteries at least once a year

  • Pick a date you will remember:  when you change your clocks, your birthday, or a holiday

  • Some smoke alarms come with 10-year batteries that do not need to be changed annually

  • Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years

  • Combination alarms may need to be replaced after 7 years

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Remember, “Leave the Ladders to the Professionals” and call Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue at   437-2236 if you need assistance with your smoke alarms.

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