It’s the time of year to check your smoke alarms.
It’s not only crucial to have a working smoke detector in your home, but it is also the law.
Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost says it’s a life saving device.
“Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result from house fires where no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms were present,” said Pfost.
All homes must have at least one functioning smoke alarm, according to Indiana law. Pfost suggests putting a smoke alarm in areas where they’re easily heard when sleeping.
“They should be placed outside of every sleeping area, near bedrooms, so they’re easily heard at night. You should even put one in the basement,” Pfost said.
The kitchen area is also an important location to place a smoke detector.
Smoke alarms should be tested once a month.
“If it starts chirping, that means the battery is low. Also, there are smoke detectors for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. They usually contain strobe lights and a vibration device that can be added to those smoke alarms,” Pfost explained.
Batteries in smoke alarms should be changed at least once a year and smoke alarms themselves should be replaced every 10 years.
For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
