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Smoke Alarm Maintenance
The Vidalia Fire Department reminds you to "Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries". Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors at the same time that you change your clocks. This small act will enable your family the crucial time needed to escape your home if a fire occurs.
Every year nearly 4,000 Americans die in home fires and approximately 25,000 are injured. The primary safety strategy for any home is to warn the occupants early and get everyone out as quickly as possible. The best way to get the earliest warning of fire is by installing smoke alarms in the home.
Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Contrary to popular belief, fires do not cause you to awaken. The smoke and toxic gases generated by a fire actually cause you to sleep more deeply. Most victims of fires die from the smoke and toxic gases and not from the burns. 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.
The Vidalia Fire Department recommends replacing smoke detector batteries at least once a year, even if they appear to be working fine. Replacing batteries when the time changes is an easy way to remember that important task.
October is Fire Prevention Month, so "Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries" is especially appropriate. The NFPA recommends installing at least one smoke detector on every floor level and outside each sleeping area. 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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