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"TIP OF THE DAY"

How Old Are Your Smoke Alarms?

Age matters when it comes to your smoke alarms. If your alarm is ten years old, or older, it is time for a replacement.

Professionally installed and maintained smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives and reducing fire-related injuries. Consider these U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) statistics:

• Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.

• More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Plan ahead. Protect yourself and your loved ones in case of a fire. The USFA recommends the following:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.

• Set up smoke alarms inside and outside of all sleeping areas.

• If an individual is deaf or hard of hearing, use a smoke alarm with a bed shaker or strobe light.

• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month.

• Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.

• Ensure all members of your household know the sound or alert of the alarm.

For additional information on fire protection, visit the USFA website.