Fire Officials Stress Importance of Smoke Alarms

Americans were urged Wednesday to install, maintain and test their smoke alarms, in light of one of the deadliest holiday seasons in recent history and several significant fires in early 2009.
There have been more than 158 fatal fires in the United States since Thanksgiving, resulting in more than 200 fire fatalities, according to a Jan. 7 press release from the U.S. Fire Administration

In the event of a fire, a properly installed and maintained smoke alarm can save lives. Smoke alarms are an important means of preventing home fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal, according to the federal fire agency.

All smoke alarms in the house should be tested once a month and their batteries replaced annually or as indicated by the manufacturer’s instructions, USFA says.

For additional information regarding smoke alarms, visit www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/