Recognizing that working smoke alarms double a family’s chance of surviving a home fire, the State Fire Marshal says the end of Daylight Saving Time is a great opportunity for families to check the battery in their smoke alarms. “This simple step can help avoid fire tragedies in the place we feel most secure – our homes.”
Along with working smoke alarms, home escape plans are another way Marylanders can avoid injury from fire. By identifying at least two different escape routes, families can practice the plan together, before a fire emergency strikes. Practicing the plan helps educate younger children to the danger of fire and the importance of recognizing that the sound of a smoke alarm signals a home fire. “Changing the battery in smoke alarms and developing and practicing a home escape plan are two of the best ways to protect loved ones and ourselves from fire,” said Fire Marshal Barnard.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation, and fire protection engineering. For more information log on to our Web site at
www.firemarshal.state.md.us.