In 2011, U.S. fire departments responded to 370,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,910 civilian injuries, 2,520 civilian deaths, $6.9 billion in direct damage. Working smoke detectors reduce the risk of dying in reported home fires by 50 percent. Experts estimate that 1 in 3 homes have an inoperable smoke alarm.

The (N.F.P.A.) National Fire Protection Association recommends that you use a combination of Ionization and Photo Electric Smoke Detectors and that you replace Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors every 10 years. How old are yours? You can find the “Date of Manufacture” under the cover on most detectors.

Throughout the year and especially during Fire Prevention Week, members of the fire department provide presentations on fire safety to our schools and other groups. With this month’s Pink Sheet article, I would like to extend to all of our residents an invitation to contact me and receive this life saving information. Fire Safety is for all ages. For every age group there are specific issues and hazards that you can prepare for and prevent.

The Home Fire/Safety Survey Program is a service provided by the fire department at no cost to every resident! When you participate in this program a certified Fire Safety Inspector will come to your home at your convenience, walk through your home with you and identify hazards. After the survey, a list of hazards and recommendations will be provided to the homeowner. The Home Fire/Safety Survey is completely voluntary and the homeowner is under no obligation to perform any of the recommendations listed.

The fire department recommends that you have working photo electric smoke detectors on every level of your home and in every bedroom. In these difficult economic times, if you need additional smoke detectors please feel free to contact me.

The members of the Gates Mills Fire Department are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education, but we need your HELP!

It just takes a phone call or email and together, we can improve the safety of your home and family.

Yours in Safety and Preparedness,
Chief Robinson
For more information on Fire Safety and Smoke Detectors, go to the link below.
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week