Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out, according to the National Fire Protection Association.  Local fire departments are urging people to make sure that they have working smoke alarms.  Already, during the first half of April there have been house fires in Chattooga County where firefighters responded and there were no working smoke alarms.

Here’s what you need to know!

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
• More about installation and maintenance of home smoke alarm

Local fire departments are here to help.  If you don’t have a working smoke detector in your home and cannot afford one, please contact any of the local fire departments in Chattooga County for assistance.