A winter cold front expected to push temperatures into the mid to upper 20s this weekend has prompted the Office of the State Fire Marshal to urge residents to test their smoke alarms as part of cold-weather safety preparations.
The agency said many residents are familiar with protecting the traditional “four P’s” during freezing weather — people, pets, pipes and plants — but officials are emphasizing a fifth: press.
Residents are urged to press the test button on their smoke alarms to ensure the devices are working. If an alarm does not sound, officials recommend replacing the battery or installing a smoke alarm with a sealed 10-year lithium battery.
So far this year, 82 people have died in 63 house fires, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Only two of those homes had working smoke alarms.
Officials said the figures show the need for working smoke alarms, during periods when heaters and other heat sources are in use. Smoke alarms provide early warning that allows occupants time to exit.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal also reminded residents to dress in layers and check on neighbors, bring pets indoors or provide shelter, insulate or drip pipes to prevent freezing, and cover or bring plants inside.
