Smoke Alarms (detecting and alarming devices)
A smoke alarm can give an early warning of a fire increasing your chance of escape and survival by 50 percent. Smoke alarms usually cost between $10-$20 dollars and are available in hardware or department stores. Smoke alarms should be installed in each sleeping area and on each level of the home. Be sure to check your smoke alarm batteries monthly and replace them at least once a year. There are two types of smoke alarms, ionization and photoelectric. Both types are UL approved and have similar activation times. Ionization detectors are now available with lithium batteries that should last 10 years. All smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
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Residential Sprinkler Systems
Residential sprinkler systems are designed for life safety and are your best line of defense in a fire. A residential sprinkler system and smoke alarmss together cut your risk of dying in a fire by 82 percent. Sprinkler heads act quickly while the fire is still small. When a sprinkler reaches 165 degrees, a single head activates. Just one sprinkler head will control or extinguish the fire 90 percent of the time. Sprinklers are inexpensive to install in new and existing buildings and cost approximately $1.50 per square foot. They reduce the damage caused by the fire by 90 percent and minimize water damage during fire suppression.
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Home Escape Plan
Making and practicing a home escape plan is an important responsibility. The plan should include two ways out of each room, knowing to crawl low under smoke, a designed meeting place and a call from a neighbor's home to 911. Early notification to 911 is critical. A fire can double in size every minute. Early warning, escape and calling 911 are absolutely essential.
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For more information about home fire protection devices, contact your local fire department, visit the State Fire Marshal's web site at www.wa.gov/wsp or call the Office of the Fire Marshal at (360)705-5774.