DELAND -- When residents “spring forward” Sunday, March 8, Volusia County Fire Services recommends not only changing the time on the clock, but also the batteries in their smoke alarms, sas county spokeswoman Shelley Szafraniec.
"Smoke alarms can save lives, if they are functioning properly," said James Tauber, Volusia County Fire Services director. "Studies show that most smoke alarms don't work because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries. Citizens need to not only make sure they have smoke alarms adequately installed in their homes, but also regularly check them to ensure they are working properly."
According to the National Fire Protection Association, ninety-six percent of homes have at least one smoke alarm. Nationally, three-quarters of homes have at least one working smoke alarm.
Other statistics show:
o Sixty-five percent of reported home fire deaths from 2000 -2004 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke
alarms.
o No smoke alarms were present in 43 percent of the home fire deaths.
o In 22 percent of the home fire deaths, smoke alarms were present but did not sound.
o The death rate per 100 reported fires is twice as high in homes without working smoke alarms as homes with working smoke alarms.
o An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes had working smoke alarms.
Volusia County Fire Services, as well as some city fire agencies throughout Volusia County, offer free smoke alarms and installation
assistance to residents. Residents are encouraged to contact their local fire department for smoke alarm information.
For more information about fire prevention, please call (386) 736-5940 or visit www.volusia.org.