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Smoke alarms save lives

 

It’s reported that nearly two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes in which no smoke alarm was present. I urge families to not only replace the batteries in their alarms, but also to think about the age of the alarm itself. All smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

The National Association of State Fire Marshals recommends using a smoke alarm containing a sealed, long-life lithium battery. This type of alarm offers 10 years of warnings and never needs its battery replaced. Also, make sure there’s enough warning by placing smoke alarms on each floor and inside of sleeping areas.

These simple steps can go a long way to help save lives.

J. William Degnan, president, National Association of State Fire Marshals, Concord, NH

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