Toledo Fire & Rescue Department responded to over 48,000 E.M.S. incidents and, 6,700 fire incidents in 2012, with structure fires comprising over 1,200 of those responses. Approximately two thirds of home fire deaths occur in a home with no smoke alarms, or no working smoke alarms.
How can you help to keep you and your family safe from fire in your home? Start by changing the battery in your smoke alarm with the time change this weekend. A fresh battery in your smoke alarm is a good way to start the spring season. This is also the time to clean the grill of your smoke alarm with a vacuum or soft brush.
While you’re at it, practice your home fire escape plan. If you don’t have one, now is a good time to develop a plan making sure that everyone in the home knows what to do in the event of a fire.
If your smoke alarm was installed before March 8, 2003, it needs to be replaced. If you are in need of smoke alarms, stop by any Toledo Fire & Rescue Department fire station and you can receive smoke alarms at no cost.