Many Americans have adopted the great habit of changing the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at the same time they change their clocks.

Please take the time to review these important fire prevention tips:

Have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement and attic.
Have working smoke alarms located directly outside and inside of every sleeping room.
Ideally, have working smoke alarms in every room with the exception of the kitchen and bathrooms.
Test the smoke alarms monthly, and change the batteries when you change the clocks.
Create a fire escape plan. Make sure that children no how to react to the sound of smoke alarms. Practice your plan frequently, especially with children in the home!
Never leave the stove unattended when cooking!
Have all home heating equipment checked by qualified personnel before using, and keep all combustibles at least 3’ away.
If you use candles, never leave them unattended or near combustibles, and always double check that they are extinguished.
Matches and lighters are tools for adults. Please keep these items out of reach of children. Also, please educate children to the dangers of fire and the importance of knowing what to do if fire occurs.
Some troubled people do start fires intentionally. Please be a good neighbor and watch out for each other.
Have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, and test the batteries monthly.

Fire strikes without warning and without mercy! Fire spreads very fast! The sooner you’re aware of a fire, the sooner you can react to alert others and escape. Please take a few moments to review the above tips, and implement your action plan to prevent fires.

“The easiest fire to put out, is the fire that you prevent”

Thank you and stay safe,

Todd M. Iaeger

Fire Marshal