Message from Special Areas Fire Chief
This Fire Prevention Week, we’re focusing on one of the most crucial tools in fire safety: Smoke Detectors. A working smoke detector can mean the difference between life and death in the event of a fire. In fact, having functioning smoke detectors in your home cuts the risk of fire-related fatalities in half. You may only have under two minutes to get to safety once the smoke detector goes off.
Rob Palmer, Special Areas Fire Chief
Here’s what you need to know to keep your family safe:
Install Smoke Detectors on Every Level: Place smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home, including the basement.
Test Your Alarms Monthly: Press the test button to ensure the alarm is working. It only takes a few seconds but can save precious time in a real emergency.
Replace the Batteries Once a Year: Even if your alarms haven’t beeped for a low battery warning, change the batteries anyways so they stay reliable.
Replace Detectors Every 10 Years: Did you know, smoke detectors lose sensitivity over time? Check the manufacturing date on your alarm and replace it if it’s over 10 years old.
Use Interconnected Alarms: For better protection, consider installing interconnected smoke alarms so that when one alarm sounds, they all do.
Make sure Smoke Alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities
By staying vigilant and maintaining your smoke detectors, you’re protecting not only your home but your loved ones as well. This small action can provide critical early warning during a fire, giving you the precious time needed to escape safely.
Use Fire Prevention Week to ensure your smoke detectors are in top working condition. Make them work for you!
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our fourteen local Fire Departments and 225 members in Special Areas for their service to our communities. Local fire departments in this region are staffed by volunteers; volunteers who get up at all hours and in all circumstances to answer the call to help those in need. Knowing the time, effort, and demands on our volunteer firefighters in providing this service to our community, I encourage each of you to recognize and thank these individuals who give back to your community with their service.
Thank You to all our First Responders for doing what you do!
Rob Palmer
Special Areas Fire Chief