THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, May 18, 1996 TAG: 9605180309
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NAGS HEAD LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
You've just opened your beach cottage for a little fun in the sun. You've got your 30-strength sun block, a big floppy hat, and a float that looks like a duck.
But before you take that break from reality, one last thing - did you remember to check the batteries in your smoke detector?
That check, says Nags Head Fire Chief Tim Morrison - a 26-year veteran firefighter - could be the difference between a great vacation and tragedy.
``About four years ago, when I was in Fairfax County, Va., we had a situation where an iron was left on in a room adjacent to the two bedrooms where a woman and her daughter were sleeping,'' Morrison recalled. ``The smoke triggered the detectors, alarms went off, and they were able to alert the fire department and evacuate.
``Because of that, we were able to confine damage to the room where the fire originated. Not only were we able to save two lives, but we were able to save the structure as well. We know that when smoke detectors are maintained properly, they work very well.''
With the influx of tourists heading to the Outer Banks for vacation, now is the time to see if the detectors are working, Morrison says.
``The biggest thing is to make sure the batteries in the detectors are good, and the devices are working properly,'' Morrison said. ``You also need to make sure the detectors are clean and free of any dust.''
Batteries should be changed at least twice a year. Morrison has a simple plan that makes remembering to change batteries easier.
``In spring, you move your clocks forward,'' he said. ``That's a good time for a change,'' he said. ``Then, when it's time to move clocks back in the fall, change your batteries again. The time change acts to jostle the memory about taking care of the detector.''
The building code now requires smoke detectors in all residential establishments. Like any machine, smoke detectors need regular maintenance and replacement. Morrison recommends replacement of the devices every 10 years.
Some detection systems are wired into the electrical system of homes. Morrison said that sometimes those are not enough.
``You need battery-operated devices in the home,'' Morrison said. ``If there is a fire and it causes the electrical system to shut down, you have no warning.''
If you are renting a vacation home, Morrison recommends a number of fire safety priorities.
``First, check the smoke detector to make sure it's working properly,'' Morrison said. ``The real estate people and the property owner have a responsibility to make sure those are functioning. Also, be sure to find out the accurate street address and phone number for the cottage. A lot of times, renters may know only the cottage number. And if a fire occurs, they have no way to give their location to emergency personnel.''
``A family should sit down, and plan an escape route if a fire breaks out,'' he said. ``A stationary object, like a tree at a neighboring house, or a mailbox should be chosen as a meeting place. That will enable everybody to be accounted for, and prevent the unnecessary risk to a firefighter's life.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
FIRE SAFETY TIPS Here are some steps home owners, real estate
agents and renters should take to make sure their cottages are
safe:
Fire safety officials recommend one smoke detector on each level
of the home, one outside the bedroom area, and one in each bedroom.
Every smoke detector comes with a test button. Testing should be
conducted once a month. Vacuum the detector annually to remove dust,
residue from cooking vapors and insects.
Replace batteries for the detector every spring and fall.
If there is a problem with the cottage smoke detector, notify the
real estate agent or property owner immediately.
by CNB