Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are lifesavers and should be installed in every home, said New Mexico State University Fire Chief Johnny Carrillo.
The NMSU Fire Department is one of several throughout the nation commemorating Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4-10. This year’s theme is, “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep.”
“Most deadly fires occur when people are sleeping, so it’s a good idea to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. They’re your first line of defense,” Carrillo said. “There have been incidents on campus where smoke alarms have saved lives.”
Carrillo said because smoke can spread quickly throughout a home during a fire, smoke alarms may give residents time to escape.
“Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a fire in half,” Carrillo said.
Carrillo recommends installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home, including the basement. Larger homes may need more alarms.
Carrillo also suggests changing the batteries of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year when the time changes. This year, daylight savings time ends Nov. 1.
Other safety tips to keep in mind:
•Use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one alarm sounds, they all sound.
•Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
•Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. Both types are recommended for the home.
•A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Smoke alarms should be at least 10 feet from the stove.
•People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers.
•Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
For more safety tips, visit fire.nmsu.edu.
Information from NMSU