Fire Service donates smoke detectors

(CNS): As part of an ongoing fire-prevention and safety-awareness drive, the Fire Service installed free smoke detectors in a number of homes on both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. The recipients were five senior citizens, some of whom are house bound.

Fire Service officers either installed new smoke detectors or replaced spent batteries and ensured the existing detectors remain in good working condition, explained Brevon Elliott, acting senior divisional officer in the Fire Prevention Unit. The devices were purchased by the officers themselves from a charity fund and donated as part of their service to the community.

Elliott underscored the importance of ensuring that smoke detectors work properly, saying that not only is it the law but it could mean the difference between life and death. People tend to forget to replace dead batteries in smoke detectors or keep them in working order. Some also disable them, worried they will go off each time they cook.

Generally, smoke detectors are installed 10 feet away from kitchens to prevent them going off unnecessarily. But when fire accidents occur in the kitchen, the alarm will sound.

“Remember, smoke detectors are the first line of defence should a fire start in your home,” Elliott said. “They should not be tampered with but remain, at all times, in good working order.”

The officer added, “We will continue to promote different aspects of fire prevention during each quarter of this year. As we know all too well, a little prevention goes a long way.”

The Fire Service advises people to:

• Install smoke detectors inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area.
• Install a smoke detector on every level of the home.
• Test all smoke detectors at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Replace all smoke detectors every 10 years.

Tags: Smoke detectors

Category: Fire Service