WSMR Public

This year's campaign is designed to educate people about the importance of smoke alarms and encourages everyone to take the steps necessary to update and maintain their home smoke alarm protection.
Smoke detectors aren’t new. The technology has been around since the 1960’s. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 93% of US homes have at least one smoke detector. So why is there so much attention being given to smoke detectors?
Although most homes are equipped with at least one detector, almost half of all home fires and 60% of fire deaths occur in homes with non working alarms. This means thousands of people die each year in homes where smoke detectors aren’t present.
Tragically, the importance of installing and maintaining smoke detectors is not fully realized. There are now more homes with smoke detectors that don’t work than homes without detectors at all. These poorly maintained units provide a false sense of security among occupants.
Remember maintenance is a must and it’s easy.
• Test your smoke detector by testing it once a month by pushing the test button and listening for the alarm.
• Replace batteries, at least once a year or when the alarm chirps, alerting you that the battery is low.
Make sure no one disables your detector by borrowing the batteries for other uses.
• Cleaning, just as you clean your home. Cobwebs and dust usually can be removed with a vacuum cleaner attachment.