The City of Downey Fire Department would like to remind everyone that a smoke alarm that is properly installed and maintained is the one thing in your home that can alert you to a fire 24 hours a day.According to the NFPA, two-thirds of fire deaths in homes were the result of not having properly working smoke alarms. A smoke alarm that works can significantly increase your chances of surviving a fire. Here are a few tips on smoke alarms: What powers your smoke alarm: Smoke alarms can be hardwired into your homes electrical system or powered by a battery. The batteries should be tested regularly and be replaced when the time changes, which falls on March 11, 2012. Install smoke alarms in key areas of your home: Smoke alarms should be installed on each level of your home, even in your basement. Most fatal fires occur late at night or in the early morning hours, so it's recommended to install smoke alarms both on the inside and outside of sleeping areas. How do you maintain your smoke alarm?: Having a smoke alarm with no battery or a dead battery is like having no smoke alarm at all. Test your smoke alarm monthly and replace your battery when the time changes. Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking: When a smoke alarm sounds, it's doing its job. If a smoke alarm sounds while you are cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, you can: Open a window or door, wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air, or move the alarm several feet away from the location. Disabling or removing a smoke alarm could prove deadly. For more information on smoke alarms please contact your local City of Downey Fire Station or the Fire Prevention Bureau at (562)904-7345 or go online to downeyca.org/gov/fire/default.asp

********** Published: March 08, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 47