Volunteer group photoVolunteers from the Madison Fire Department, Fire Fighters Local 311, the American Red Cross, and the WisSAFE Coalition recently joined forces to install smoke detectors at residences on Sherman Terrace.

Tragedy struck this tight-knit community four months ago when a man died during a fire at one of the units at the complex. During our investigation, we learned that smoke detectors in that unit did not have batteries installed.

In hopes of preventing another tragedy, an event was organized to ensure each residence on Sherman Terrace is equipped with working detectors.

On- and off-duty firefighters, fire prevention officers, chiefs, and citizen volunteers went door to door and installed a total of 235 alarms in 79 homes!

This event serves as a great reminder to everyone to have working smoke detectors in your home! Here are the guidelines:

  • Install a smoke alarm in each bedroom or sleeping area;
  • Install a smoke alarm within six feet of each door leading to a bedroom or sleeping area;
  • Install one smoke alarm on every floor of the building;

Mount alarms high on a wall or on the ceiling (ceiling-mounted alarms should be at least 4 inches from the nearest wall).

Test your smoke alarms each month to ensure the batteries are still working. In Madison, smoke alarms should be equipped with 10-year, tamper-resistant lithium batteries.

It’s also important to have an escape plan. Identify a safe place outside the home where you and your family can meet in the event of a fire. Practice your evacuation plan together.

During an emergency, get out and then call 911 from a cell phone or a neighbor’s house.

Get more tips about smoke alarms and make a home escape plan.

Firefighters install smoke detector
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Category: Your Safety