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2017 WHIDBEY ISLAND

SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD & WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES

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Salute to Firefighters 2017

OCTOBER IS

FIRE PREVENTION MONTH

FIRE FIRE PREVENTION PREVENTION MONTH MONTH FIRE FIRE PREVENTION PREVENTION MONTH MONTH FIRE FIRE PREVENTION PREVENTION MONTH MONTH

page sponsored This page This is sponsored by: FIREby: DISTRICT #7 This page sponsored by: This page is sponsored FIRE DISTRICT #7 South Whidbeyby: Fire/EMS

JOIN US! South Whidbey Fire/EMS JOIN US! JOIN US! VolunteerJOIN to be aaFirefighter! Volunteer to be US! Firefighter!

Volunteer to to be Volunteer be aaFirefighter! Firefighter!

Every Second Counts, Know 2 Ways Out If your clothes catch fire . . .

It’s very important that you take precautions when it comes to fire.Always practice these safety tips: It’sNever veryplay important thatoryou take precautions when with matches lighters it Do comes to fire.Always these safety tips: not handle gasoline or practice other liquids that burn

Safety Fire

Never playaround with matches lightersand open fires Be careful stoves,or heaters handle gasoline or other liquids that burn Do not cook unless an adult is present carefulisaround heaters open fires IfBesmoke around,stoves, stay low to theand ground Do not cookif unless an adult is present REMEMBER, something catches on fire, get help. Call 9-1-1 Kids and adults should work together to form an emergency If smoke is around, stay low to the ground plan, including an escape route. Don’t forget to practice the plan. REMEMBER, if something catches on fire, get help. Call 9-1-1 Kids and adults should work together to form an emergency plan, including an escape route. Don’t forget to practice the plan.

If your clothes catch fire . . . STOP where you are. DROP to the ground STOP where you are. ROLL over and over until the DROP to the ground flames are out, covering your ROLL over and over until the face and mouth with your hands flames are out, covering your face and mouth with your hands

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Salute to Firefighters 2017

Know your fire district OAK HARBOR Four public fire departments protect Whidbey Island and its citizens. Whether it’s a car accident, injury or fire, volunteers and career firefighters will be there to help.

South Whidbey

South Whidbey Fire/EMS was established as Island County Fire Protection District #3 by local community volunteers in 1950. It serves 15,000 residents and an estimated daily population of 25,000 within 66 square miles of South Whidbey Island. The district houses six stations and has nine engines, five water tenders, one medical support vehicle, one light rescue, three EMS response vehicles, one rescue boat, one personal watercraft, three support vehicles, three utility vehicles and five staff vehicles. In 2016, the district responded to 2,600 calls.

Central Whidbey

Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue (CWIFR) serves approximately 8,264 residents and many visitors within 50 square miles of Central Whidbey Island from three fire stations. CWIFR’s response stretches from just south of Libby Road to just north of Mutiny Bay Road and spans the breadth of the island. This predominantly rural area includes the Town of Coupeville and the unincorporated community of Greenbank. The district is predominantly rural with an average population density of 165.28/square mile.

North Whidbey

Established in 1950, North Whidbey Fire and Rescue provides fire services for North Whidbey Island, outside the city limits, from Deception Pass Bridge to Libby Road. North Whidbey Fire and Rescue has grown to include seven fire stations, an administrative headquarters, 15 pieces of apparatus, two basic life support ambulances and three command vehicles, to cover 55 square miles and a population of over 15,000. North Whidbey Fire and Rescue provides services to the community, by organizing, coordinating, and directing available resources to respond to the event and bring the emergency under control. The goal of North Whidbey Fire and Rescue is to protect public health by minimizing the impact of the event on the community and environment.

FIRE DEPT.

Dustin Amundson

Craig Anderson

James Anema

Don Baer

Brandon Bailey

Angela Braunstein

Oak Harbor

Oak Harbor Fire Department (OHFD) serves the City of Oak Harbor. OHFD protects the 9.714 square mile city (including several miles of shoreline) and an estimated population of 23,000. OHFD is a combination fire department with one station staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by career and paid-on-call firefighters. In 2016 OHFD responded to 1,177 emergency incidents. Station 81 houses four fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit, and various support vehicles.

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Salute to Firefighters 2017

OAK HARBOR FIRE DEPARTMENT

Mike Buxton

Andrew Carroll

Conor Ching

Gen Cox

Tom Cross

Mike Engle

Josh Fikse

Mike Fletcher

Kevin Frondozo

Chris Garden

Zack Greenberg

Otto Haffner

Jake Hammond

Ron Hancock

Jeff Heiserman

Shannon Holcomb

Cameron Hopkins

Dwayne Jansen

Jake Jansen

Andy Kiesel

Ed Klaszky

Ryan Lange

Dan Martin

Steve McCalmont

Ray Merrill

Ryan Merriman

Robert Mirabal

Andrew Moon

Jim Reyonlds

Jon Roberts

Rich Rodgers

Paul Schroer

Mark Soika

Travis Stanford

Laura Titherington

Dennis Wright

Thank you for your service!

150 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (360) 679-3533

Thank you for your bravery, sacrifice and service

Whidbey Island Firefighters and EMS Responders

165 SW 6th Ave.| Oak Harbor, Washington 98277 (360) 679-1400 â€˘ www.summerhill-assistedliving.com

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Salute to Firefighters 2017

NORTH WHIDBEY FIRE & RESCUE Amber Damon

Sarah Pedersen

Jesus Rellama

Fire Chief Mark Kirko

Battalion Chief Chris Swiger

Battalion Chief Lyle Zimmerman

Captain Jeff Amidon

Captain Jim O’Conner

Captain Matt VanGiesen

Captain Steve Lacy

Lieutenant Dan Horton

Lieutenant Ed Klasky

Lieutenant Shane Brandhorst

Lieutenant Sherri Brown

Gregg Alonzo

Brandon Bailey

Meagan Behen

Mark Boberg

Nikki Breaux

William Canty

David Carnes

Chris Chastain

Bill Cheman

Ann Conto

oup, Inc.

Help better Help protect better yourself protect yourse Help better protect yourself rotect Help better yourself protect yourself Help better protect yourself against tax against identity tax theft identity theft against entity tax identity Help better yourself p better theft protect yourself theft protect yourself against tax protect identity theft against tax identity theft ainst tax identity theft Help better protect yourself when you file when next you year. file next year. when next year. you file next year. dentity theft against tax identity theft Thank You Thank You when you file next year. en you file next year. against tax FOR identity theft YOUR to our Whibey Island Firefighters when you file next year. ewhen next year. when you file next year. you file next year. SERVICE & BRAVERY

Group, Inc.

Bill Cooper

Wyatt Couglin

Dylan Dahl

John Diamond

Melvin Dominguez

Robert Dorr

Antionne Drieu

Ian Eby

Tax Identity theft is a growing problem Tax Identity that could theftimpact is a growing problem that could impact

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and EMS Responders for your service and bravery

1331 SW BARLOW 1331 SW BARLO Call (800) 684-8733 OAK HARBOR, WA 98277 OAK HARBOR, WA Master Clinician Expertise AreasShield® by H&R Block is a solution that can Tax Identity www.evergreentlc.com 360-675-9588 360-675-9588 Make an appointment 3-D Areola Complex referred by 7 Washington Plastictoday. Surgeons 1706 Commercial Ave 1331 SW BARLOW DID YOU GET A LETTER FROM THE IRS OR 360-675-9588 360-675-958 sure to ask us about Tax Identity Shield® when Make an appointment Make an appointment today. today. “Thank You” isn’t enough to express the gratitude Tattoohelp. Removal &Be Correction ANACORTES, WA 98221 STATE REQUESTING AN AUDIT OR 1706 Commercial Ave 1706 COMMERCIAL Ave youage visit taxes. Corrective Camoufl for burnour victimstax office to file your 2016 OAK HARBOR, WA 98277 we have for our first responders. The stamina and ASSESSING A PENALTY? Nano & Micro Skin Needling • Hair Loss Scalp Treatment ANACORTES, WA 98221 360-675-9588 ANACORTES, WA 98221 1706 Commercial Commercia mind set it takes toAve be a first1706 responder! They see Technician Consulting • Insurance Documents Provided 360-675-9588 360-675-9588 Make an appointment today. 360-675-9588 the worst WA of the 98221 worst. They are the best of the WA ANACORTES, ANACORTES, Our tax professionals are available year-round. Coupeville, WA best and show up everyyour dayfreewith a gentle hand 800-HRBLOCK to schedule in-person 18205 HWY 525, Suite 1A1706Call Commercial Ave Get your taxes won. 360-675-9588 360-675-958 HRBLOCK.COM and kind soul. They show up on scene, nurture consultation today. Get your taxes won. FREELAND, WA. 98249 www.ForeverPretty.net HRBLOCK.COM and protect you to the best of their ability. Calm ANACORTES, WA 98221 360-331-3292 OBTP#B13696 ©2016 HRB Tax Group, Inc. you when you are probably in the most stressful 360-675-9588 OBTP#B13696 ©2016 HRB Tax Group, Inc. THANK YOU FOR YOUR moment of your life. It takes a special personality Our tax professionals are available year-round. H&R Block tax professionals, who go through extensive

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800-HRBLOCK to schedulewon. your free in-person to be a first responder. We appreciate you for SERVICE WHIDBEY ISLAND Get your taxes won. GetCall your taxes HRBLOCK.COM consultation today. choosing to do what you do day inHRBLOCK and day out! FIREFIGHTERS!

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Salute to Firefighters 2017

NORTH WHIDBEY FIRE & RESCUE Dale Esperum

Guy Fealey

Joseph Hall

Dave Hanson

Chris Hernandez

Tom Hoctor

Rich Hoover

Cliff Horr

Scott Jackson

Danny Jordan

Johnathan Karlburg

TJ Kelsey

Joshn Koorn

Caitlin Krall

Walter Krytcha

Chris Lacy

Jon Lacy

George Lawson

Stephanie Mace

Tom Mohlsick

Michael Pelzer

Ken Powell

Michael Powell

Lauren Powers

Dylan Raymond

Deborah Rogers

Ron Rogers

Joshnua Savage

Andrew Schmal

Tim Schulz

Gerald Smith

Hannah Tripp

Chris Turner

Frank Valencic

Amy Viers

Johnathan Walker

Ty Welshans

Jimmy Zimmerman

Comm. Jerry Goen

Comm. Marv Koorn

Not pictured:

Alec Knoff Lt. Ben Weber Benjamin Browning Cassandra Pierce Colton Burdick-Curtis

Holly Slothower James Valencic Jamie Clark Ian Walton Karley Young Lacey Wilson

Lindsay Beard Michael Myrum Michael Maletto Michael Rinstra Ryan Vasileff Stafford Smith

Salute to Firefighters 2017

CENTRAL WHIDBEY FIRE & RESCUE

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Fire Chief Ed Hartin

Deputy Chief Charlie Smith

Captain Andy Griffin

Captain Jerry Helm

Acting Lieutenant Bob Moore

Acting Lieutenant Marvin Raavel

Lieutenant Derik Vrable

Lieutenant James Meek

Lieutenant Jen Porter

Office manager Kim Harpe

Support operator Brent Stevens

Support operator Chuck Hathaway

GIS technician Jessica Larson

EMT Jeff Tasoff

EMT Michael Pelzer

Firefighter Jim Colton

Firefighter Joe Hall

Firefighter Kolton Kellison

Firefighter Todd Duddridge

FF/EMT Alex Majestic

FF/EMT Alexandra McMahon

FF/EMT Dillon Rogers

FF/EMT Greg Behan

FF/EMT Holly Slothower

Change the batteries in smoke alarms at Daylight Saving Time While there are numerous ways to improve home safety, fires are a common threat that you have the power to prevent with preparation. The International Association of Fire Chiefs and Energizer team up each fall to educate the public about how to improve in-home safety. The “Change Your Clock Change Your Battery” program reminds everyone to replace the batteries in their home’s smoke detectors when they change their clocks for Daylight Saving Time so they have functioning smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms cut nearly in half the risk of dying

10% OFF deliveries for First-Responders *call for details

in a home fire by providing an early warning. Having a fresh battery in your smoke detector plays a critical role in giving families the time needed to safely escape a home fire. In addition to sponsoring this educational campaign, Energizer has donated more than five million batteries to fire departments over the years. To learn more about the Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery program, visit www.energizer.com/responsibility (StatePoint)

Island Disposal would like to give our sincerest thanks to all first responders and their families, for their personal sacrifice of their time away from their loved ones in order to keep the Island safe. We appreciate you!

Thank you for your service Whidbey Firefighters & EMS crew's

PO Box 989 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (360) 675-5445 or 360-321-6699 coreyoilandpropane.com

19832 ST RT 20/P.O. Box 990 Coupeville WA 98239 (360) 678-5701/321-1331 Fax (360) 678-3279 A Waste Connections Company

On behalf of your co-workers and your community, thank you women and men of EMS. Your hard work and dedication serve to keep us safe and healthy every day. WhidbeyHealth Medical Center 101 N. Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239 360.678.5151 or 360.321.5151

12981 State Route 20 Coupeville, WA 98239 (360) 678-5396 • keystonecafe@live.com

www.whidbeyhealth.org

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Salute to Firefighters 2017

CENTRAL WHIDBEY FIRE & RESCUE

FF/EMT Jeff Rhodes

FF/EMT Jesse Leyva

FF/EMT Jim Huff

FF/EMT John Lloyd

Not pictured:

Office Assistant Heidi Wittmann FF/EMT Ethan Vroman FF/EMT Andrew Lyons FF/EMT David Mott

FF/EMT Keith Andrews

FF/Mechanic Mike Matros

FF/EMT Aron Nolte EMT Sean Redmond Support Operator Darrell Jacobsen Support Operator Don Mason Support Operator Edward Pratt

Commissioner Cheryl Engle

Commissioner Paul Messner

FF Recruit Leeroy Correa FF Recruit Reed Harbeck FF Recruit Lance Kolb FF Recruit Frank Fesling

Commissioner Steve Hutchinson

Fast facts about fire

Cooking

Heating

n U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 166,100 home cooking-related fires between 2010-2014 resulting in 480 civilian deaths, 5,540 civilian injuries and $1.1 billion in direct damage. n Two of every five (43 percent) home fires started in the kitchen. n Unattended cooking was a factor in one-third of reported home cooking fires. n Two-thirds of home cooking fires started with ignition of food or other cooking materials. n Ranges accounted for three of every five (62 percent) home cooking fire incidents. Ovens accounted for 13 percent. n Children under five face a higher risk of non-fire burns associated with cooking and hot food and drinks than of being hurt in a cooking fire. n Children under five accounted for 30 percent of the 4,300 microwave oven scald burns seen in hospital emergency rooms during 2014. n Clothing was the item first ignited in less than 1 percent of home cooking fires, but these incidents accounted for 18 percent of the cooking fire deaths. n More than half of people injured in home fires involving cooking equipment were hurt while attempting to fight the fire themselves. n Frying is the leading activity associated with cooking fires.

n The leading factor contributing to heating equipment fires was failure to clean. This usually involved creosote build-up in chimneys. n Portable or fixed space heaters, including wood stoves, were involved in two of every five (40 percent) of home heating fires and accounted for 84% of the home heating deaths. n Over half (56 percent) of home heating fire deaths resulted from fires caused by heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses or bedding. n In most years, heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires, fire deaths and fire injuries.

A big THANK YOU to all Whidbey Island Firefighters & EMS Volunteers

Home fire sprinklers n If you have a reported fire in your home, the risk of dying decreases by about 80 percent when sprinklers are present. n Sprinklers reduce direct property damage by about 70 percent per fire. n Research shows that when sprinklers were present during a fire, the fire is kept to the room of origin 97 percent of the time. n Roughly 85 percent of the time, just one sprinkler operates during a fire. n Each individual sprinkler is designed and calibrated to go off only when it senses a significant heat change. n Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water directly on the fire.

WE THANK YOU WHIDBEY ISLAND FIREFIGHTERS AND EMS RESPONDERS

Call us or stop by today for a free quote! 5595 Harbor Ave. Freeland, WA 98249 Porterwhidbey.com 360-331-1500

5438 S Woodard Ave. Freeland, WA 98249 www.gordonsonblueberryhill.com Phone: 360.331.7515 â€˘ E-mail: gordonsonblueberryhill@gmail.com

Salute to Firefighters 2017

SOUTH WHIDBEY FIRE/EMS Charles Baker

Jon Beck Eldon Baker

Brent Davison

Alexander Charat Brian Boyd

Robert Elliot James Dobberfuhl

Mike Cotton

Jon Gabelein

Vicki Lange Tom Gideon

Emergency Checklist If the unthinkable happens, your children will look to you to know how to react and respond. Use the checklist below to help your family prepare and keep children safe in a disaster. Make a family plan and determine: n The facilities that will be used as shelters in your community in case of emergency n A designated meet-up location if your family is separated n An emergency contact outside of your area who would not be affected by a local disaster Teach your children: n Basic personal information to identify themselves if separated from you

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

www.wiws.org

Jeff Cravy

Anne Collins

Robert Frey

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n How to dial 911 n Your family’s meet-up locations n How to reach your family’s out-of-town contact

Ken Lindenstein

Thank you to our Whidbey Island firefighters and EMS responders!

Have a communications strategy: n Program all family cell phones with “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) contacts n Include all family phone numbers plus out-of-town contacts n Remind family members that text messages often get through in an emer-gency, even when a phone call can’t

Thank you to our brave fire fighters for your service!

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner 7 Days a Week For Food “To Go” Call 360-331-9945 1642 Main St., Freeland

Julie Bean, Real Estate Professional Windermere Real Estate/South Whidbey 223 2nd Street | Langley WA 98260 c. 206/601-8244 | o. 360/331-6006 juliebean@windermere.com JulieBean.withWRE.com

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Salute to Firefighters 2017

SOUTH WHIDBEY FIRE/EMS Kelly McDonald

Tony McNair

Ashley Taylor

Frank Mestemacher

Jim Towers

Thank you for your service!

Wendy Moffatt

Herschel Rostov

Michael O’Brien

Kenon Simmons

Thank you for keeping us safe Whidbey Fireﬁghters & EMS!

Thomas Peterson

William Piepenbrink

Teresa Welch

Travis Zimmerman

Marc Swenson

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE & BRAVERY

Since 1988

24 Hour Service

Jerry Beck

& Company, Inc.

Residential / Commercial / Generator Underground Locating

1685 Main Street (360) 331-5211 freelandfamilydental@gmail.com www.freelandfamilydental.com THANK YOU FOR YOUR BRAVERY & SERVICE Come To Play... Come To Stay

TARA

VACATION RENTALS 360-331-0129

www.freeland-wa.org

Mari St. Amand

Sarah Peterson

Full Service Electrical Contractor

360-341-3504

We salute our brave firefighter heroes. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice.

Rusty Palmer

Alex McMahon

We are grateful and very proud of the work you do. Thank you!

360-341-2101 sales@jerrybeck.com Lic. # JERRYBC973CE

Fairgrounds Campground 819 Camano Avenue, Langley, WA

18205 SR 525 Ste 5 • Freeland

tarapm@whidbeyislandrentals.com · www.whidbeyvacation.com

Tara Property Management South Office Address: Josh Coleman 18205 SR 525, Suite 5 Broker/Property Manager Freeland, WA 98249 360-331-7100 Office Mailing Address: 360-632-5386 Cell PO Box 383 360-331-0192 Fax Freland, WA 98249 josh@tpmsouth.com www.tarapropertymanagementsouth.com

Resource and Design Center for Contractors and Homeowners 1694 802 1694MAIN MAINSTREET STREET •• PO BOX 802 FREELAND, WA 98249 BSI@WHIDBEY.COM

You work hard, and you care. We give you our respect, and our sincere

thanks

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Salute to Firefighters 2017

Fast facts about fire Home fires n Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Only one in five home fires were reported during these hours. n One-quarter of home fire deaths were caused by fires that started in the bedroom. Another quarter resulted from fires in the living room, family room or den. n Three out of five home fire deaths happen from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. n In 2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 365,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,560 deaths, 11,075 civilian injuries, and $7 billion in direct damage. n On average, seven people die in U.S. home fires per day. n Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fire injuries, followed by heating equipment.

n Smoking materials are the leading cause of home fire deaths. n Most fatal fires kill one or two people. n During 2010 — 2014, roughly, one of every 338 households reported a home fire per year.

Escape planning n According to an NFPA survey, only onethird of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. n Almost three-quarters of Americans do have an escape plan; however, less than half ever practiced it. n One-third of survey respondents who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. The time available is often less. Only 8 percent said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out. (National Fire Prevention Association)

Stay safe this holiday season The holiday season is full of family, friendship and good cheer, but it’s important to keep in mind that this time of year can also pose specific safety risks, particularly around the use of candles, fire and heating products. In 2015, one home structure fire was reported every 86 seconds, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle associated with this time of year may mean you are paying less attention to safety precautions. To protect your family and home, check out these tips.

Safety Devices

Double check all of your home’s safety devices, including carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms for functionality and to ensure batteries are still working. Doing so will offer you greater peace of mind during a time of year with additional fire risks.

Fireplaces

Nothing beats the charm and warmth of a fireplace, particularly around the holidays when the family is gathered together, but consider these tips to keep your fireplace safe: n Ensure gas fireplaces are outfitted with safety screens. n Never leave children or pets unattended near a lit fireplace or one that was recently turned off. Safety screens are meant to protect against contact with hot glass, but remember that the metal can also heat up, and your heating equipment — fireplaces, stoves, inserts and their surrounding material — will remain hot for some time after use. n Ensure gifts, trees, and holiday decor are all placed a safe distance away from the fireplace.

n Consider annual maintenance for both wood-burning and gas fireplaces, as recommended by experts.

Candles

Candles can be a feast for the senses, but they are also a major cause of accidents and house fires, especially when your home is decked out with extra combustible decore. Don’t burn candles near curtains, trees and other flammable objects. Never leave candles unattended. Ensure all flames are extinguished before leaving a room and before going to sleep. If you have pets or children, make sure any open flames are well out of their reach and consider alternatives such as candle warmers. The greatest holiday gift you can give this season is the gift of safety. (StatePoint)

THANK YOU WHIDBEY ISLAND FIREFIGHTERS AND EMS HEROES Since our charter in 1936, our American Legion Post has been welcoming VETERANS from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today, we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community. Our mission is to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace and blessings for our country, friends and families embodied in our preamble.

American Legion Post 141 South Whidbey Island, WA

THANK YOU for your service

PO Box 221 Langley, WA 98260 360-321-5696 post141@whidbey.com southwhidbeypost141.com

The Team at Freeland

Thanks You All For Your Service to Our Whidbey Island Communities Mon-Sat 8am-7pm • Sun 9am-6pm 331-6799 • 1609 E. Main, Freeland

CLINTON 11038 State Route 525 360-341-3313 TIRES • WHEELS • BATTERIES • BRAKES • ALIGNMENTS

What you should know about Smoke Alarms Save Lives

The most important things you need to know are smoke alarms save lives and they should be in every home. Follow these important smoke alarm safety measures: • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. This means testing smoke alarms monthly, replacing batteries once a year or when a low-battery alarm chirps and performing other maintenance as NFPA and your smoke alarm manufacturers recommend. And of course, a smoke alarm disabled because of nuisance alarms provides no protection at all. • It is important to have not just one smoke alarm but smoke alarms in every location required by NFPA standards. (On each level of your home, outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom.) Tens of millions of U.S. homes are estimated to have smoke alarms but not enough smoke alarms to meet the standards and protect their homes. • Interconnect your smoke alarms so that a fire detected by any smoke alarm will sound an alarm at every location where a smoke alarm is installed. Interconnection can be done using hard-wiring or wireless broadcast technology. Interconnected smoke alarms provide early warning of fires that are still far away or are located on the other side of a door or wall that may block sound. • Develop and practice an escape plan so that everyone in the home knows what to do if the smoke alarm sounds. That includes planning a second way out from every room in your home. Every household that develops and practices an escape plan with two ways out from every location improves its time to escape in every type of fire.

There Are Different Types of Smoke Alarm Technologies—Ionization and Photoelectric

The two most commonly recognized smoke detection technologies are ionization smoke detection and photoelectric smoke detection. Ionization smoke detection is generally more responsive to flaming fires and photoelectric smoke detection is generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering (called “smoldering fires”). For each type of smoke alarm, the advantage it provides may be critical to life safety in some fire situations. Home fatal fires, day or night, include a large number of smoldering fires and a large number of flaming fires. You can not predict the type of fire you may have in your home or when it will occur. Any smoke alarm technology, to be acceptable, must perform acceptably for both types of fires in order to provide early warning of fire at all times of the day or night and whether you are asleep or awake.