Sedona AZ (October 1, 2014) –Working smoke alarms can make a lifesaving difference in a fire. That is the message behind the 2014 Fire Prevention Week campaign, Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!

It’s time to test your smoke alarms now.

The Sedona Fire District is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during Fire Prevention Week, October 5 through 11, 2014, to remind fire district residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home and testing them monthly.

According to the latest NFPA research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in half during a structure fire. Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

“In a fire, seconds count,” said SFD Fire Marshal Gary Johnson, adding, “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.”

Follow these simple steps to be prepared in the event of a fire:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
• Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home, when one sounds, they all do.
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Change the batteries once a year.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Does everyone in the home recognize the sound of the smoke alarm and understand what to do when it’s heard?

Follow these steps for an escape plan:

• Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home including all doors and windows.
• Identify at least two ways out of every room.
• Have an outside meeting place such as a tree or mailbox, a safe distance from your home.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year, once during the day and once at night.
• Practice using a different way out each time.
• Call the fire district from outside your home.

Have questions about smoke alarms or need assistance testing your home smoke alarms? Contact the Sedona Fire District at (928) 282-6800 or your local fire department for information.

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