“Change your clocks and change your batteries,” Fire Marshal Edward Bricknell said. “It only takes a few minutes, minutes that may save your life. Most fires start at night, when people are sleeping. With a fully functioning smoke alarm, your chances of survival will double by giving you the critical time needed to escape.”

Bricknell said that though most area homes have smoke alarms, an estimated 33% do not work because of missing or dead batteries.

Following are tips regarding smoke alarms and fire safety:

• Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home. For additional protection, install one in each bedroom.

• Test and clean your smoke alarm once a month. Dust and cobwebs can impair your alarm.

• Replace batteries twice a year or when it “chirps” which indicates a low battery.

• Never disable a smoke alarm.

• Replace smoke alarms according to the manufacturer’s specification, or at least every 10 years.

• Plan regular fire drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in case the alarm sounds. Hold drills at night and during sleeping hours.

• Meet at a pre-determined location: “Once outside, stay outside.”

During the past three years, 24 individuals have lost their lives in residential fires in Wichita.

“Don’t be a victim,” Bricknell said. “Make sure you have working smoke alarms. Practice fire prevention.”

Back to Top