News

Spring forward! (and check your smoke alarm batteries)

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 8, 2019

Does your home have a smoke alarm?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one. But do you know when the last time the batteries were changed? If you’re like most people, you’re probably not so sure.

Every day in the United States, needless home fire deaths occur. Working smoke alarms significantly increase your chance of surviving a deadly home fire. A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you're awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert scanning the air for fire and smoke.

In addition to changing your smoke alarm batteries this weekend, the Hendersonville Fire Department recommends following these simple steps to protect your life, your loved ones, and your home:

• Dust or vacuum smoke alarms when you change the batteries.
• Test alarms once a month using the test button.
• Replace the entire alarm if it's more than 10 years old or doesn't work properly when tested.
  Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
• For the best protection, equip your home with a combination of ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor alarms.
• Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout your home so that when one sounds, they all sound. Interconnected alarms are available at most stores that sell smoke alarms.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors, test them at least once a month and replace according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Make sure everyone in your home understands the warning of the alarms and knows how to respond.
  

Finally, prepare and practice an escape plan so that you and your loved ones can get out of your home safely should there be a fire. Plan to meet in a place a safe distance from the fire and where first responders can easily see you. Residents who do not have working smoke alarms and cannot obtain them by other means can call their local fire department to see if they qualify for a free alarm. For more information on home fire safety or for assistance in obtaining working smoke alarms for your residence, contact Hendersonville Fire at 828-697-3024.