Public Safety helps perform smoke detector canvas in City

Morganton Public Safety joined Red Cross recently to perform a smoke detector canvas within the city limits of Morganton. They were able to install smoke alarms in 23 different homes helping 67 residents.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.

Here are a few tips from the NFPA about smoke detectors and their maintenance.

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

If you have any questions about smoke detectors, please call Public Safety Headquarters at 828-438-5290.