Smoke detectors help save lives Published Aug. 14, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Stephen Pina 6th Civil Engineer Squadron fire prevention MacDill AFB, Fla. -- Smoke detectors are an easy way to assure your safety and that of your family. Sure, sometimes when you are cooking or showering your smoke detectors inadvertently go off and send you rushing to shut them down, but a properly functioning smoke detector can alert occupants to a fire during its early stages of development. The MacDill Fire Department recommends that you check and clean your Smoke etector monthly to assure that it is working properly. If your smoke detector(s) are hard wired, install a battery operated unit as a backup. Remember that the electric type smoke detectors will not operate during power outages unless your building has an emergency generator. Recent findings show that smoke detectors were not present or did not operate correctly in 42% of residential fatal fires. In three of every 10 reported fires in homes equipped with smoke detectors, the devices did not work. Households with non-working smoke alarms now outnumber those with no smoke detectors. Why do smoke detectors fail? Most often they fail because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries. Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your residence with additional units installed in each bedroom. If you have any questions concerning the installation of smoke detectors contact the MacDill Fire Department Prevention Section at 828-4236.