2010 News Archive
Johns Creek Fire Dept. urges proper use of smoke alarms
National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 3-9, 2010
10/4/2010
During National Fire Prevention Week, October 3-9, the Johns Creek Fire Department urges all residents to take a few minutes to make sure their smoke alarms follow these important safety guidelines:
Working smoke alarms are needed in every home, on every level (including the basement), outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom. Larger homes may need additional smoke alarms.
If a smoke alarm is 10 years old or older, it needs to be replaced (even if it has a 10-year battery or it's a hardwired alarm).
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button, and make sure everyone in your home knows their sound.
If an alarm "chirps," warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
Never remove or disable a smoke alarm.
Interconnection of smoke alarms is highly recommended in larger or multi-story homes.
Each year, nearly 3,000 people die in home fires across the U.S. The nonprofit National Fire Protection Association says that while working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire nearly in half, roughly two-thirds of all home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
"People have grown so accustomed to seeing smoke alarms in their homes that they feel adequately protected by them without ever assuring they're actually working," said Johns Creek Fire Marshal Chad McGiboney. "True safety lies with the residents of Johns Creek and their willingness to take the steps needed to protect their homes and families from fire."