Smoke Detectors

Smoke Detectors Save Lives

The Fire Department encourages residents to change smoke detector batteries to ensure they are in good working condition.

Working smoke detectors can cut the chance of dying in a home fire nearly in half by providing the extra time critical for safe escape. Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Most fire fatalities are the result of smoke inhalation; lethal amounts of smoke build long before the flames spread, lulling residents into a deep sleep. A working smoke detector will sound an alarm while there is still time to get out alive.

Nationally, nearly 90 percent of all homes have smoke detectors, but it is estimated that one-quarter of those don't work because of worn or missing batteries.

The Tuftonboro Fire Dept. recommends replacing smoke detector batteries at least once a year, even if they appear to be working fine. Unfortunately, when detectors start 'chirping' to indicate that the batteries need to be replaced, many people disconnect the detector to stop the noise, not having another battery on hand. Replacing batteries when the time changes is an easy way to remember this important task.

The Fire Department advises having at least one smoke detector on each level of your home, in each bedroom, and in the hallways adjacent to any sleeping areas. Smoke detectors (even those that are hard-wired) should be tested monthly to ensure that you have the protection you need when you need it. Free batteries and smoke detectors may be available to low-income families.