WD DO |yes mm Fire Safety: A Hot Topic For Homes (NAPSA)—When homeowners consider ways to protect their home and family, fire safety should be a major concern. One of the best ways to protect loved ones during a fire is by having a complete fire safety plan, beginning with an early warning from effective, reliable smoke alarms. Recent studies from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) show that nearly 100 million American homes either don’t have alarms that are interconnected, or are underprotected from fire. Interconnected alarms are one of the best ways to protect a home, because when one alarm detects smoke it sends a signal thattriggers all alarms to sound, alerting loved ones throughout the home to the danger. This immediate reaction reduces response time and can help a family escape faster in the eventofa fire. Wireless interconnected alarm systems can be fast and easy to install. For example, Kidde, a leader in fire safety technology, offers an Underwriters Laboratories-listed wireless smoke alarm system that uses radio frequency signals so that when one alarm sounds, they all sound. The wireless smoke alarms are considered a major advance in fire protection because they improve response time in the eventofa fire. It is also important to test home smoke alarms regularly to make sure they are in good working order. Test alarms once a month and change batteries every six months. Interconnected alarms can help speed evacuation in the event of a fire. Smoke alarms are only one part of complete homefire safety. If a fire does occur, it is important to have a preplanned escape route to cut down on thetimeit takes to evacuate. Make sure your family knows the escape route and practice it with them. Homes should also have several fire extinguishers; at least one per floor and one each in the kitchen and garage. All family members should know where the fire extinguishers are located and how to use them. With a complete fire safety plan, you can be prepared in the event of a fire. Careful planning, prevention and a fast evacuation are the best ways to ensure that residents of a home escapefires injury-free. The Kidde wireless smoke alarm system is available at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. For more information, visit www.lowes.com.
