Ranger – The sound of a smoke alarm going off can be irritating; the chirping of a device that indicates it may be time to change the batteries. Even the occasional preparation of a meal that prompts a smoke alarm to sound its warning can be a bit off-putting.
As a result, some people will remove the device’s battery to stop the noise rather than realize the occasional annoyance may indicate attention is needed – and one day save a life.
A smoke alarm’s purpose is to send out an audible alarm for smoke and potential fire. The devices allow for the extra time needed to take action.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting to the danger. In the event of fire, there may be as little as two minutes to escape safely. That’s why smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom and sleeping area as well as outside of the sleeping areas, such as in hallways and on each level of the home, including the basement.
There are many stories of smoke alarms that have sounded off, helping save the life of the occupant. A Ranger firefighter was fine after his smoke alarm went off while he was asleep. He woke up and was able to exit the home, which was on fire at the time.
“We had a call where the dryer caught on fire. They all got out quickly due to the smoke alarms, and they closed the doors behind them. All they lost was one wall of their bathroom due to their quick thinking and the smoke alarms,” Ranger Fire Chief Mike Taylor said.
Some people may think a fire won’t happen in their home because the house is in good condition. However, there are many causes, including electrical wiring, lightning strikes, room heaters as well as lit and unattended candles.
According to the NFPA, there is a difference between a smoke “detector” and a smoke “alarm.” A smoke detector is just a sensor that monitors for smoke and is connected to a whole building fire alarm system. A smoke alarm has both the sensor to monitor for smoke and the speaker that makes the sound to notify the occupants.
It is best to have a combination of battery-operated as well as hard-wired alarms. Taylor also strongly recommends having a carbon monoxide detector.
“Carbon monoxide detectors detect low oxygen in the air. If it gets too low you’ll fall asleep and not wake up. These devices save lives plain and simple,” he said.
Each year on the first Saturday of June, the Ranger Volunteer Fire Department offers free smoke alarms to homes without them. They will install up to six devices if needed.
The program is called Smoke Alarm Saturday. They will go door to door in the area, checking to see if any homes are in need of smoke alarms. The devices have a 10-year lifespan and use lithium batteries.
There is no cost to the homeowner. The monies for the alarms are covered by a grant through the Office of the State Fire Marshall. Some alarms can be offered to the hearing impaired that produce vibration and lights to warn individuals.
Taylor would like to see other departments get involved, but he will install the alarms in an area outside of Ranger if needed. It is also important to periodically check alarms to ensure they are working properly.
Details: Call 828-644-5677.