Smoke alarms save lives

Courtesy of the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 38 percent of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

When there is a fire, smoke spreads very fast, and a working smoke alarm gives you advanced warning. More importantly, it gives you time to get out. It is recommended to install detectors on every level of your home along with inside and outside of sleeping areas.

Now is the time to remember some of your home’s safety features: smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, home evacuation plans and a list of emergency numbers. Remember, disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.

Here are a few key tips to help you enhance your fire safety plan:

• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.

• If smoke alarms do not respond properly when tested, replace them immediately.

• Base residents should contact housing maintenance at 06371-46-39510 for replacements.

• Off-base residents should notify their landlords to have the smoke detector replaced immediately.

• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year.

• If the smoke alarm “chirps,” it’s warning you the battery is low and needs to be replaced right away.

• Smoke alarms can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner without removing the smoke alarm’s cover.

• Review your family’s fire escape plan.

• Check and replace your fire extinguisher if necessary.

Remember, disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.

For further information, contact the Kaiserslautern Military Community Fire Prevention office at 480-5940. On Landstuhl, Rhine Ordnance Barracks or Pulaski Barracks, you can call Army Fire Prevention at 493-4500.

In case of a real emergency, dial 112.