Monday, July 28, 2008

Free Ballgame Tickets, Smoke Detectors


Fire Prevention Tips Using Smoke Detectors

In recent months, neighbors on the North Side have experienced the tragic consequences of house fires. Some of these fires occurred in structures where smoke detectors were not present, not working or not located where they could make a difference in saving lives.

Almost a year ago, three people died in a multi-story home on Carbon Street. Only one working smoke detector was found by fire investigators, located on the first floor. Two children who died were recovered from a second floor bedroom. A woman was unable to escape a third-floor attic.

Approximately half of all fire deaths that occur in homes could be prevented if working smoke alarms were present, according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).

The primary reason why alarms are not working is that the devices installed are not operational. In fact, 1 out of every 5 homes that has smoke detectors installed lacks a single, working alarm. This is typically due to one or more of these factors:
  • The Big Disconnect: People sometimes disconnect their alarms because they present a nuisance. They're either activated by steam or vapors from cooking or bathing, or they chirp constantly because the batteries need replacing.

  • It Doesn't Work: Smoke Detectors need to be tested regularly. Although the batteries may be fresh, the unit may not work. Old units fail or give off false alarms. The older the unit is, the higher the odds are that it will not work.
Solutions to these problems are simple:
  • Relocate alarms that are too close to cooking and bathing areas.

  • Replace batteries and units on a regular schedule.
    • Batteries: Whether they're dead or not, install new batteries twice a year. It's recommended that you do this when Daylight-Saving Time rolls around.
    • Smoke Detectors: Check the back of the unit for a date clearly marked. Anything more than ten years old, or in bad shape, including units that have been painted, should be replaced. If your unit doesn't have a date on the back, it's old. Get rid of it.

  • Regularly test your smoke detector on the same schedule.
    • Press the button and see if it works.
    • Don't gamble with old devices. Replace them.
As part of their ongoing fire prevention efforts, firefighters from the Syracuse Fire Fighters Association will be distributing FREE SMOKE DETECTORS tomorrow night at Alliance Bank Stadium before the Syracuse Chiefs take on Scranton-Wilkes-Barre at 7:00pm.

Members of the Syracuse Fire Fighters Association have also donated a supply of FREE TICKETS for the game. Please stop in and pick some up. Smoke detectors can be costly for many families. This is a great opportunity to have a night out with the kids, while doing something to keep them safe.

Be sure to arrive early to receive these free items. They'll be available while supplies last.

If you aren't able to pick up a free unit, please take the time to test the units in your home or apartment. Encourage your neighbors to do the same, or give them a hand. Let's do what we can to prevent another tragedy.

For more fire prevention tips, visit the NFPA website or contact Fire Prevention in the Syracuse Fire Department, (315)473-5525.

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