A free smoke alarm installation program is becoming even easier to take advantage of.
In 2015, more than 100 people died in house fires in Michigan. Some of those homes didn’t have enough smoke detectors or ones that worked.
Officials with Operation Save a Life, a free program designed to help install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in homes across the state, say there is now a phone number people can call to set up an appointment: 1.844.978.4400.
Michael McLeieer, with Operation Save a Life, says there’s a 50 percent greater chance of someone dying in a house fire without a working smoke alarm.
“Over 15,000 smoke alarms have been installed just this last year and we’ve had 12 documented saves that we know of from fire department and American Red Cross installed smoke alarms. So this campaign is working,” said McLeieer.
Grand Rapids residents can also call 3-1-1 to set up an appointment for free smoke alarm installation.
Since the Grand Rapids Fire Department started its Residential Safety Program three years ago, 32,000 smoke detectors have been installed in 5,100 homes, according to GRFD Lieutenant Bill Smith.
This weekend is also “Save a Life Saturday” at The Home Depot in Walker from 9 a.m. to noon. At the event you can learn fire safety tips from local experts and meet Jake the Fire Safety Dog.
When was the last time you tested your smoke alarm? Michigan leads the country in home fire deaths. Many of them occurred in homes that did not have working smoke alarms.
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety reminds you that 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.
Take the opportunity when you “spring ahead” on Sunday, March 13 to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace the batteries and replace alarms that are more than ten years old.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.
There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market, but they fall under two basic types: ionization and photoelectric.
It cannot be stated definitively that one is better than the other in every fire situation that could arise in a residence. Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different, yet potentially fatal fires, and because no one can predict what type of fire might start in a home, the United States Fire Administration recommends that every residence and place where people sleep be equipped with:
- Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR
- dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors
In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.
Smoke alarms are powered by battery or they are hardwired into the home’s electrical system. If the smoke alarm is powered by battery, it runs on either a disposable 9-volt battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium (“long-life”) battery. A backup battery is usually present on hardwired alarms and may need to be replaced.
These batteries must be tested on a regular basis and, in most cases, should be replaced at least once each year (except for lithium batteries).
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or early in the morning, so the U.S. Fire Administration recommends installing smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Smoke alarms are not expensive and are worth the lives they can help save. Ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms cost between $6 and $20. Dual sensor smoke alarms cost between $24 and $40.
Some fire departments offer reduced price, or even free, smoke alarms and may install battery operated smoke alarms in your home at no cost. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency phone number for more information.
If you need a free smoke alarm, you may also contact WOTV’s Operation Save A Life program by e-mail at [email protected] or call toll free 1-844-978-4400.
Michigan school CPR bill could create 100,000 life savers:
http://woodtv.com/2016/03/11/quiz-do-you-know-how-to-save-lives-with-cpr/
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many families will use candles for celebrations, to light up the area around the dinner table, or just to relax. Even though candles are popular, they are a cause for home fires and home fire deaths.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 32 home candle fires are reported every day in the United States. Roughly one-third of home candle fires started in the bedroom.
Remember a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn. It’s essential to blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
Here are some additional candle safety tips:
- Avoid using candles in the bedroom or in other areas where people my fall asleep.
- Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.
If you do burn candles, make sure that you…
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.
- Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily.
- Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
- Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
- Don’t burn a candle all the way down – put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
- Never use a candle if oxygen is being used in the home.
- Never leave a child alone in a room. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach, in locked cabinet.
- Secure pets. Some pets are easily attracted to the flickering flame of a candle and might tip it over.
Also remember to have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Avoid using candles.
Stop candle fires before they start! For more fire safety tips, visit escapetv.org or escapeinc.org.
This morning, Firefighter Michael McLeieer of E.S.C.A.P.E. talks about fire safety and an alarming trend this morning on AM 590 WKZO.