Wilmer Fire Department Press Release

Change Your Smoke Detector Batteries This MONTH
Safety Tip from the Wilmer Fire Department


Wilmer, Texas (Wednesday, October 1, 2008) - The Wilmer Fire
Department reminds you to change the batteries in your smoke detectors
and carbon monoxide detectors when you set your clocks back this month.
These detectors save lives only when the batteries are working! A
working smoke detector more than doubles a person's chances of surviving
a home fire. More than 90 percent of homes in the United States have
smoke detectors, but it is estimated that one-third have worn-out or
missing batteries. The Fire Department recommends that you test your
detectors every month, and change the batteries every 6 months.

The Wilmer Fire Department urges all residents to install smoke
detectors during the month of October if they do not have one. The
department will install one standard smoke detector in the homes of City
of Wilmer residents that are senior citizens, physically handicapped or
low income families (at risk individuals) at no charge. The smoke
detectors have been generously donated by the area WalMart stores. For
more information contact 972-441-3222

They also encourage other fire safety precautions such as: Plan and
practice home escape plans (two ways out), practice good housekeeping
and keep matches and lighters away from children.

For more information about fire safety and developing a home escape
plan, contact the Wilmer Fire Department, 220 First Street, Wilmer,
Texas 75172 or call 972-441-3222.