Fire Chief reminds citizens about smoke alarm safety

Ritzville Fire Department Chief Bill Banner advises residents smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and working smoke alarms can give residents an early warning to exit the home quickly.

With Daylight Savings on Sunday, March 13, at 2 a.m., Banner reminds residents to check the batteries in fire alarms while springing the clocks forward.

Smoke alarms should be installed inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. They should also be on every level of the home including the basement.

It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so when one sounds they begin sounding throughout the home.

The National Fire Protection Association states moke alarms should be tested once a month by pressing the test button to ensure they are working.

There are two kinds of alarms; ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires and photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use both types of alarms within the home.

A smoke alarm should be located on the ceiling or high on a wall. They should be kept away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms and should be at least 10 feet from stoves.

People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms in their homes. These alarms are equipped with strobe lights and bed shakers.

Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.