| Even though last month was Fire Prevention | | | | steam from the bathroom or cooking vapors |
| Month, it is never too late to think about fire | | | | from the kitchen to avoid false alarms, which can |
| safety precautions and your apartment. Here is | | | | be a nuisance. We also recommend having |
| one of the easiest things you can do to protect | | | | interconnected alarms which can be installed |
| you and your family. | | | | wirelessly; if one alarm is set off, the connected |
| Smoke detectors - Every apartment and town | | | | ones are activated as well. |
| home should have a smoke detector, whether it | | | | Besides a smoke alarm you should also have a |
| is part of an alarm system or standalone battery | | | | carbon monoxide detector in your apartment, |
| powered unit. Battery powered smoke detectors | | | | which will alert you to the presence of this |
| should be inspected and tested somewhat | | | | odorless, tasteless, and invisible silent killer. Smoke |
| frequently to make sure they are functioning | | | | alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are |
| properly. Last weekend, we set the clocks back, | | | | available almost everywhere in all types of stores. |
| and if you haven't already, you should change the | | | | Most fire departments also offer them for free, |
| battery before you forget. | | | | some even with installation included. |
| Be sure to place additional detectors on the ceiling | | | | If your apartment building or town home |
| near the bedroom areas of your apartment or | | | | community is equipped with a fire alarm system, |
| town home so if a fire starts while you are | | | | be sure to learn how to use it and recognize the |
| asleep, the alarm will wake you up with ample | | | | sound of the alarm. Have an evacuation plan for |
| time to react. Smoke rises, so all smoke alarms | | | | you and your family with a rendezvous point, |
| should be mounted high on walls or ceilings; | | | | should anyone be separated. Finally, make sure |
| ceiling-mounted alarms should be at least four | | | | you know where the individual alarms are located |
| inches away from the nearest wall, and | | | | in your building and how to operate them in case |
| wall-mounted ones should be four to twelve | | | | of an emergency. |
| inches from the ceiling. Additionally, choose a | | | | For more information on smoke detectors, the |
| location in your apartment or town home for | | | | United States Fire Administration provides an |
| your alarms that is well away from the path of | | | | excellent website. Read, take action, be safe! |