“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.”

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

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 your alarm “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 several practices at night.

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

During the past three years, 22 individuals have lost their lives in residential fires in Wichita. “Don’t become a victim,” Bricknell said. “Make sure you have working smoke alarms and please make fire prevention an everyday practice.”

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