Each
year more than 3,000 people, in the United States, die in home fires. Most of
these deaths occur in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working, properly
installed smoke alarm significantly lowers the chances of dying in a fire. The
Rock Springs Fire Department wants all citizens of Rock Springs to be as safe
as possible. That is why we encourage all residents to have working smoke
alarms in their home.
Protecting your home is simple:
CHANGE YOUR SMOKE ALARM BATTERIES
The Rock Springs Fire Department encourages you to change smoke alarm batteries at least once each year. If your smoke alarm starts to
make a chirping noise immediately replace the battery. Replace old batteries
with fresh, high quality batteries to keep your smoke alarms ready to protect
you all year long. Remember even hardwired smoke alarms can require backup
batteries.
Some smoke alarms contain lithium batteries instead of the
typical 9-volt alkaline batteries. These batteries have up to a 10-year life
and do not have to be changed yearly.
The Rock Springs Fire Department will
help the elderly or those with special needs, who live in Rock Springs, change
their smoke alarm batteries. If you need assistance or know of someone who does
contact the Rock Springs Fire Department at 307-352-1475 to make an appointment.
CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS
The
Rock Springs Fire Department recommends that you test your smoke alarms at
least once each month. If you have any doubt regarding the working condition of
a device, we recommend you replace it.
COUNT YOUR SMOKE ALARMS
You should have a properly functioning smoke alarm in every
sleeping room and directly outside sleeping rooms. It is best to have at least
one working smoke alarm on every level of your home including the basement.
If you are elderly or have special
needs, and live in Rock Springs, the Rock Springs Fire Department has a program
to install smoke alarms in your home. These smoke alarms contain a lithium
battery, which will last up to 10 years without the need to change them.
Contact the Rock Springs Fire Department at 307-352-1475 to make an appointment
for smoke alarm installation.
RETIRE YOUR OLD SMOKE ALARMS
Smoke
Alarms work every minute of every day. After millions of sensing cycles, they
should be retired. Replace your smoke alarms with new devices every 10 years. Smoke alarms containing lithium batteries should be replaced when
the battery goes bad.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
US Fire Administration: Learn About Smoke
Alarms
US Fire Administration: Smoke Alarms