Experts suggest everyone should make a switch to 10-year smoke alarms
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Jennifer Auh reports on the issue of non-working smoke alarms in many homes. Now fire experts suggest a new type of smoke alarm. Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com
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This week is fire prevention week, and now's the time to have a plan of action, in case of a house fire.
Fire experts said one of the biggest problems is non-working smoke detectors in a lot of homes.
The National Association of State Fire Marshals now recommends 10-year smoke detectors, where you replace both the smoke detector and the battery every 10 years.
"I know personally some detectors are hard to get to. You have to break out the step ladder and extension ladder. It’s an inconvenience, but at the same time, because my kids and my wife and myself, I want to protect them," said Romeo Gervais, Deputy Chief Fire Marshal with Boise Fire.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports nearly two-thirds of house fire deaths between 2005 - 2009 occurred in homes, without working smoking alarms.
"Smoke detectors are a tremendous life saver, saved thousands and thousands of lives, they're really one of the best tools for fire safety. They'll give you the early warning to get out of the house safely. Save the things you can't replace,” said Gervais.
After fixing your smoke detector, fire experts said families should map out two ways to escape their house in case a fire does break out.
In some cities, such as Philadelphia, city leaders even passed laws that require homes to have the 10-year smoke detectors, because of their effectiveness.
With the cooler temps coming our way, here are also some ways to protect your home from electrical fires:
- Consider an electrical inspection, if you see flickering lights, and warm, cracked, or sparking outlets
- Do not overload the outlets. Instead, try using an extension cord
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