We find it strange that some folk ignore the chirping of smoke alarms, indicating their batteries are getting low. We mention this, because we keep coming across reports of home fires, where the smoke alarm malfunctioned. We could argue that responsibility for smoke alarm batteries rests with occupants. Because they, surely, are the beneficiaries…
What Price Smoke Alarms Versus Major Fires?
Let’s set aside the legal responsibility for smoke alarm batteries for now, and think about cost. The obligation may well be on the building owner or city authority, but the bottom line is that smoke alarm batteries should not cost more than a basic burger.
People living in their own homes, should also take care to replace their smoke alarm batteries regularly, ideally following a simple program. They might, for example, decide to do so on the same day every year. The cost of a basic burger is surely less inconvenient than a house fire.
Take Action If an Alarm Wakes You To a Fire
A house fire can start and spread quickly. Forget pretending you are a firefighter, and concentrate on your own safety. Your mission is to get out of the house as fast as you can:
- Cover your nose and mouth lightly with a wet cloth that you can breathe through easily.
- Heat rises and so does smoke. Crawl on your hands and knees to escape the worst of it.
- Never open a hot door to the inside or the outside of the house. The heat means there is fire on the far side.
- Forget about treating any injuries for now. Doing so will delay your escape, and things could get worse.
- Quickly work out the best way to get out of the house in your mind. Have a ‘Plan B’ if possible.
- Follow the best escape route, and keep moving, because this gives you the best chance of surviving.
And finally, do the best you can to avoid experiencing a house fire. Accept personal responsibility for the smoke alarm batteries. That way, you should never have to escape a burning house.
More Information
Daylight Saving Ending – Check Smoke Alarms
