Tribune editorial staff

As we observe Fire Prevention Week this week, it reminds us that every home should have smoke detectors.

When fires occur, statistics show the chances for survival are two times better when a smoke detector is present than when they are not. Smoke detectors, when installed properly and operating properly, provide early warning to those in the house - even those who are sleeping - and gives the fire department more of a chance to save your residence.

According to the State Fire Marshal's Office, a residential fire occurs in Ohio every half hour. More than 75 percent of fire deaths occur in the victim's home. In 2002, Ohioans experienced 15,467 residential fires killing 111 people, injuring 866 more and causing more than $175 million in property damage.

Sadly, smoke detectors were not present in nearly 18 percent of these fires.  In 16 percent more of these fires, a smoke detector was present, but did not operate properly.

Everyone should install smoke detectors on every floor of the home, including the basement, and outside of each sleeping area. Those who sleep with the door closed should install one inside their sleeping area as well.

Test detectors every month, following the manufacturers' directions and replace batteries once a year or whenever a detector "chirps" to signal low battery power. Like everything else, smoke detectors do not last forever. If changing the battery does not work, replace the detector. The State Fire Marshal's Office also encourages Ohioans to replace detectors that are more than 10 years old.

Having working smoke detectors in your home can mean the difference between life and death. In fact, nobody has an excuse not to have one as the State Fire Marshal’s Office provides free smoke detectors to Ohioans. Anyone interested in obtaining a free smoke detector can call the Ironton Fire Department at 532-0043 or contact your local fire department.