This week is Fire Prevention Week and Manitowoc Fire Chief Todd Blaser is reminding people of the importance of having working smoke alarms.
While the theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Serve up Fire Safety in the Kitchen”, it is always vital to ensure your smoke alarms are functioning properly.
“Smoke alarms are so important in that they detect and alert people to a fire in the early stages,” Blaser stated. “A smoke alarm can be the difference between life and death in a fire. A working smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a home fire in half statistically.”
Blaser went on to explain where the smoke alarms should be placed. “It’s important to make sure you install a smoke alarm in every sleeping room, and outside each separate sleeping area if you can, but at least in every level of the home, including the basement,” Blaser explained. “Once they are there, it is important that you test them at least once a month using the battery test button on them. Make sure everyone in the home knows what to do when the smoke detector sounds.”
Blaser stressed the importance of each family sitting down and going over their fire escape plan to help ensure their safety if a fire were to break out in their home. He said that there should be a meeting space a safe distance from the home, and to make sure every family member is aware of every possible exit.
