As daylight saving time comes to a close this Sunday, November 3, Yakima will fall back one hour, marking the perfect opportunity to not only change clocks but also check it's a great time to check your smoke alarms. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office emphasizes that this simple act could save lives in the event of a fire.

YOU ONLY HAVE LESS THAN 2 MINS TO ESCAPE A HOUSE FIRE

With fall and winter months traditionally seeing a rise in home and apartment fires—many of which are attributed to space heaters and electrical issues—Yakima firefighters are reminding the community of the critical role that functioning smoke alarms play in fire safety. According to their officials, working smoke alarms can significantly decrease the likelihood of fire-related fatalities, cutting the risk by half.

6p-7p Is the most dangerous time to drive a vehicle in WA state
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MANY DEATHS HAPPEN IN PLACES WHERE SMOKE ALARMS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED

In a recent press release, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office revealed alarming statistics: approximately 85% of fire fatalities occur in spaces where smoke alarms should have been installed. To help residents prepare and protect themselves, they have outlined several key guidelines for smoke alarm installation and maintenance.

Key Smoke Alarm Tips:

Placement: Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways outside sleeping areas, and on all floors of the home, including basements. Larger residences may require additional alarms.

Accessibility: For individuals who are hard-of-hearing or deaf, consider using smoke alarms equipped with strobe lights and bed shakers to alert them in case of smoke.

SOME BATTERIES LAST 10 YEARS OTHERS NOT AS LONG SO CHECK

Battery Check: Opt for smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries, which remain effective for a decade from the date of manufacture. If an alarm begins to chirp, signaling a low battery, replace the entire unit immediately. It’s also crucial to replace any smoke alarm that is over 10 years old. Testing: Regularly press the test button to ensure alarms are functioning properly. It’s equally important to ensure that everyone in the household recognizes the sound of the alarm and knows how to respond.

Aleksandr Zyablitskiy
Aleksandr Zyablitskiy
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ARE YOU A LANDLORD?

Interconnected Systems: Install interconnected smoke alarms, so when one sounds, they all do. This feature greatly enhances your chances of waking up in the event of smoke detection. Rental Responsibilities: Tenants in rental housing should confirm that smoke alarms are installed and functioning. It's the tenant's responsibility to arrange maintenance and testing, so contacting the landlord or property manager is essential if alarms are missing.

NEED HELP? CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Local Assistance: Residents are encouraged to reach out to local fire agencies for support. Many agencies offer smoke alarm programs that provide free devices and installation services. As the Yakima community prepares for a change in the clock, firefighters hope they will also take this chance to safeguard their homes and loved ones. By ensuring smoke alarms are in place and operational, residents can enjoy peace of mind during the upcoming colder months.

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