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Be
sure that the smoke detectors you buy carry the
mark of an independent testing laboratory. Several
types are available. Some run on batteries, others
run on household current. Some detect smoke using "ionization" sensor,
others use a "photoelectric" detection system.
All approved smoke detectors, regardless of type,
will offer adequate protection provided they are
installed and maintained properly.
The
NFPA advises that detectors must be placed correctly
and tested monthly, and recommends replacing
them after 10 years of use. In addition, the
NFPA recommends installing new batteries at least
once a year in battery-operated units.
Every
home should have a smoke detector outside each
sleeping area and one on every level of the home,
including the basement. NFPA also recommends
that additional smoke detectors be installed
in the livingroom, dens, or family rooms, dining
rooms, utility rooms and hallways.
**Residents of Cheltenham having a problem with their detector, have a
question on testing or installing a smoke detector,
or would like a home detection safety inspection,
please contact Cheltenham Fire Company at
(215)
379-2212.
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Imagine being suddenly awakened by an overwhelming smell of
smoke at 2:30 in the morning. Immediately realizing there is
a fire in your home, you wake up your spouse and run to alert
your children. Because of your quick response, you manage to
save your entire family.
Unfortunately, this kind of scenario is not very likely. While the majority of
fatal home fires do indeed start at night, your chances of waking up in time
to escape are not as good as you may think. Instead of rousing you from a sound
sleep, fire, accompanied by poisonous gases and smoke, can actually lull your
senses into an even deeper sleep. |
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Although we like to feel safe at home, about two-thirds of our
nation's fire deaths happen in the victim's own home. The home
is where we are at the greatest risk and where we must take the
most precautions. Most deaths occur from inhaling smoke or poisonous
gases, not from flames. |
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Most Fatal fires occur in residential buildings between 11 pm
and 6 am when occupants are more likely to be asleep. More than
90 percent of fire deaths in buildings occur in residential dwellings. |
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A Johns Hopkins University study, funded by the United States
Fire Administration. found 75 percent of the residential fire deaths
and 84 percent of the residential fire injuries could have been
prevented by smoke detectors. |
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Although smoke detectors are in 92 percent of American homes,
nearly one-third don't work because of old or missing batteries. |
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A working smoke detector reduces the risk of dying in a home
fire by nearly half. |
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Civilian Fire Deaths Increase - The number of civilian fire deaths
in 1996 increased for the second year in a row, reaching a toll
of 4,990, the highest level since 1990. According to a report released
in August by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The
report also shows that the number of fire deaths in the home which
accounted for about 90 percent of all US fire fatalities, rose
by nearly 11 percent. |
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