News Release
For Immediate Release: January 4, 2011
Contact Person: Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, 301-334-7730
Health Department to Distribute Smoke Detectors
Every eighty- three seconds a residential fire breaks out in the United States. Each year, residential fires kill or injure over 39,000 American children under the age of fourteen. A smoke detector is a crucial fire-safety tool, but installing and replacing it is only half the battle. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has determined that installation and proper maintenance of smoke detectors saves lives.
“Homes with smoke detectors typically have a death rate that is 40 to 50 percent less than the rate in homes without a smoke detector,” said NFPA's assistant vice president John R. Hall in an article. According to the NFPA regulations, smoke detectors should be loud enough to hear through a closed door. There should be one smoke detector on each level of the home. A smoke detector powered by AC power from the home must have a battery backup. Smoke detectors should be replaced at least every ten years.
The Garrett County Health Department is partnering with local fire companies to distribute smoke detectors to Garrett County residents. The smoke detectors are free and are only for residential homes. Garrett County residents can obtain one on a first come, first served basis by contacting their local fire company or by contacting Mike Wilburn at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111. The smoke detectors are being provided by funds from the Maryland 's Injury Prevention Program. Smoke detector recipients must complete two forms; one gives permission to health department staff to conduct follow-up calls to remind people of the importance of maintaining the monitor and the other is a general release form.
The NFPA recommends performing the following steps to keep smoke detectors in good working order. First, perform monthly checks by pressing the test button on your detector. Second, replace batteries annually or when it begins to emit the low- battery warning alarm. Third, clean the detector by vacuuming and wiping down any accumulated dust. Fourth, try to use the longer lasting batteries.
“These simple maintenance steps are neither difficult nor time consuming and help to diminish the possibility of fire deaths and injuries resulting from residential fires,” said Mike Wilburn, Community Health Educator.