THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 4, 1994 TAG: 9412020265
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
Fire Inspector Bob Anderson of the Chesapeake Fire Prevention Bureau wants everyone to know that smoke detectors are proven lifesavers.
As of July 1990, Anderson said, all residential dwellings in Chesapeake are required by city code to have at least one functional smoke detector. Smoke detectors in rental units are the responsibility of the property owner.
Homeowners living on fixed or low incomes may be eligible to receive a free detector if they meet criteria set forth in a special grant.
``The grant is designed to help low-income or fixed-income families who can't afford these life-saving devices,'' Anderson added.
``On the national level, people have a 50 percent or better chance of surviving a home fire if they have a working smoke detector,'' he said.
``Smoke detectors have a life expectancy of about 10 years,'' he said. ``We recommend you change its battery once a year.''
To make sure your own detector is in working order and the battery is still energized, check the device by either pushing the small red test button on most detectors or by giving it a smoke test by holding a lighted candle under the unit.
To keep detectors trouble-free, Anderson's office recommends that homeowners vacuum the unit at least once a month and check the device's owner's manual for more details and specifications.
Anderson said smoke detectors should be situated near a bedroom.
``Its primary job is to wake you up at night,'' he said, ``and save your life.'' MEMO: To see if you qualify for a free home smoke detector or for more
information about checking your detector, call the Chesapeake Fire
Prevention Bureau at 547-6566.
by CNB