In a News Release today from Alisa Casas, Communications Director at the St. Mary’s County Government Public Information Office, citizens are encouraged to install and maintain smoke alarms/detectors in their homes.

According to the News Release (No. 2021–20; Jan 15, 2021), The National Fire Protection Agency estimated 1,291,500 fires in the U.S. These fires caused an estimated 3,704 civilian deaths; 16,600 civilian injuries; and $14.8 billion in direct property damage. On average, a fire department responded to a fire somewhere in the U.S. every 24 seconds in 2019. A home structure fire was reported every 93 seconds, a home fire death occurred every three hours and 10 minutes, and a home fire injury occurred every 43 minutes.

Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.

- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
- Test smoke alarms every month. If they are not working, replace them.
- Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
- If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP.

Maryland Smoke Detector Law requires the replacement of any battery-only operated smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old. Homeowners are required to install an alarm that has a sealed-ion battery.

For local information on preparedness and other safety topics contact the Department of Emergency Services or visit prepare.stmarysmd.com