LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Fire officials say a working smoke alarm can make the difference between life and death when a fire breaks out.
Safety experts recommend that every home have a smoke alarm installed on each floor and inside every bedroom. These alarms should be kept in working condition to ensure families are alerted as quickly as possible in the event of a fire.
Fire officials also remind residents to change the batteries in smoke alarms at least every six months. One way to remember is to replace the batteries during the weekend when clocks change for daylight saving time.
Being alerted early by a smoke alarm can give families the critical time they need to safely escape their homes.
“It’s important to have one on every floor and in every bedroom so detects a problem that’s going to happen earlier, just so when we get there, it’s not too late,” said Lima firefighter and EMT Arsahn Williams.
Officials also encourage families to create a fire escape plan and choose a designated meeting place outside the home where everyone can gather safely.
Residents who do not have a smoke detector in their home can contact the Lima Fire Department, which can help arrange to provide and install one.
