| Approximately 3,400 Americans die each year in fires and about 17,500 are injured. Following the tragic fatal Christmas morning fire, the Huntingtown Volunteers hit the streets of Lower Marlboro, going door-to-door of every occupied house inspecting their smoke detectors and replacing any out-dated or nonworking detectors. For homeowners without detectors, the members installed them throughout the residence, free of charge.
The morning of Sunday December 29, five crews from the Huntingtown VFD, along with assistance from the Prince Frederick VFD, began the door-to-door campaign. At the end of the day, 92 houses were visited and it was determined that 20% of the detectors inspected were found to be defective. If you are a citizen of Huntingtown and would like us to inspect the detectors in your house and install or replace the detectors, please contact the Huntingtown VFD at 410-535-3331 or send an email to jonriffe@hvfd6.org. By promoting public education on smoke alarms, fire prevention and exit routes, the community actually becomes the hero by saving themselves.
A new Maryland law approved by Gov. Martin O’Malley took effect July 1, 2013. It requires battery-operated smoke alarms in homes have batteries that last ten years (all new detectors purchased include a ten year battery). After ten years, simply dispose of the detector and purchase a new one. A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or early in the morning, so the U.S. Fire Administration recommends installing smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. |
