Working smoke alarms are responsible for saving the lives of at least 70 individuals statewide this year.
Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost echoes that statement released by the Indiana State Fire Marshal and encourages all residents to have smoke detectors on all levels of the home.
“Make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home and change the batteries at least once a year. We always tell people that the beginning of October is a good time to change those batteries,” said Pfost.
During this Fire Prevention Week, Pfost says it’s also important to have exit plans in place.
“You should have at least two exit plans in place in case one fails. It’s always good to have a backup plan.”
With the leaves starting to fall from the trees, Pfost urges you to burn them with care.
“First of all, try not to burn on a windy day. It seems like that’s when we have the most fires is when it’s really windy. Choose a calm day. Also, make sure you’re compliant with local ordinances. Have a water source and try not to burn outside of what you can handle. Don’t burn after dark.”
Pfost also reminds you to blow out candles before you go to sleep or leave the house, to clean lint traps in your dryer regularly, to clean wood burning stoves and to clear creosote buildup from chimneys.
Knox firefighters have been at the schools this week to educate young students about exit plans, how to recognize the sound of a smoke alarm and how to recognize firefighter when they arrive in the event of a fire.
