There's no question about it.  Smoke Alarms help save lives.  Everyone should plan an escape route from their home and practice fire drills.  Below is a list of things to do in order to accomplish that goal:

 

·         Draw a floor plan of your home.

 

·         Determine two safe ways to reach the outside of your home.

 

·         Arrange a meeting place outside for those who live in your home in case of a fire or an emergency.

 

·         Hold a fire drill at least every six months

 

·         Test all smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries when you change the time on your clocks.

 

·         Make sure the fire department knows if someone in your home will need help getting out in an emergency.

 

·         If you suspect a fire, get out first, then call 911 from your neighbor’s home or from a cell phone once you are outside.

 

·         Visit smokealarms for more information.

 

·         Any questions, call 301-600-7275 (301-600-Smoke Alarms Save Lives), or send an email to .

If you are hearing impaired, we now have strobe smoke alarms available on a first come/first serve basis that are provided free of charge to those in need.  Please call the Smoke Alarm Hotline at 301-600-Smoke Alarms Save Lives (301-600-7275) for details, or send an email to .

For more information on Smoke Alarms and Home Fire Safety, visit the U. S. Fire Administration's web site.