Berwyn Fire Company Touts Smoke Detectors After Philly Tragedy

TREDYFFRIN-EASTTOWN, PA —After a residential fire Wednesday morning in Philadelphia's Fairmont neighborhood killed at least 12 people, including several children, the Berwyn Fire Company is reminding local residents about the importance of having working smoke detectors and helping to ensure the devices are in every home.

The Berwyn Fire Company said that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires that all homes have a working smoke detector installed on every floor, and in every occupied bedroom. Homes also should have carbon monoxide alarms on every level and in every bedroom.

According to research by the NFPA and the United States Fire Administration(USFA), half of home fire deaths happen between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep, reinforcing the need for alarms.

In fact, the NFPA and USFA recommend that alarms be interconnected, so when one sounds they all sound.

Thanks to the Smoke Detector Assistance program, residents Tredyffrin Township or Easttown Township can get help in acquiring smoke detectors, according to officials.

Those in need can fill out a confidential form, and a member of the Berwyn Fire Company staff will contact them to coordinate the delivery and installation of the alarms, officials said.

In addition to alarms, authorities said there should be a fire extinguisher on every level of a home, plus in the kitchen and garage.

Here are some other fire safety tips from the NFPA and USFA:

• Test fire and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or if they do not sound when tested.
• Some people, especially children and older adults, may need help to wake up. Make sure someone will wake them if a fire alarm sounds.
• When the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Go to a designated outside meeting space.