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Stark-Billings County |
Extension Spot-Lites
September 23, 2004
Prevent a Disaster- Check Your Detectors Now
More than half of the structural fires every year include residential fires in all types of family dwellings including mobile homes. Thousands of lives are lost every year as well as up to three billion dollars worth of personal property. Many of these fires happen during the holidays near the end of the year.
Smoke detectors save lives- that is a well known fact. But a smoke detector that does not work cannot save the life of anyone. When the detector’s battery is missing or run-down there is no protection, the detector can’t save anyone.
Excessive cost is not the cause of run-down or missing detector batteries. Batteries for smoke detectors cost much less than five dollars. Most detectors use a nine volt battery which often costs less than two dollars. Often a new detector, including the battery, can be bought for about five dollars.
Anytime, especially right now, is the best time to get a step ladder, put the smoke detector through its test sequence- just to be sure it works and install a new battery if it is needed.
Every smoke detector has a ‘Test’ button that checks the electrical circuits and smoke sensor when it is pressed, it also causes the detector to sound the alarm- telling you that it works. A chirping alarm is sounded by most detectors. Some detectors have a flag that pops out when the battery is discharged.
At least once every month, each smoke detector should be checked by pressing the button, especially during the heating season. Frequent checking of the detector will not significantly weaken the battery to the point where it will not work. Always replace the battery when it is found to be weak. Your life and of others may depend on that battery in the next 24 hours.
There should be a smoke detector on each floor of the house. The closer the detector is to potential fire sources such as the kitchen, hot water heater, furnace, fireplace or wood stove the more time you may have to escape. The bedroom area of the house is the most important area to protect since you are not likely to discover the fire while sleeping. Stairwells and hallways are other important areas to protect since they are escape paths from the dwelling.
For more information contact:
Kurt Froelich,
Extension Agent
NDSU Extension Service
Stark-Billings County
1340 W. Villard St.
Dickinson ND 58601-4646
(701) 456-7665