Published Friday, February 05, 2010

Here's another reminder of the importance of smoke detectors in all residences

Editorial

Do you have a smoke detector in your residence? These devices can be life-savers, and every residence should have at least one smoke detector.

You may have read the news story in The Times-Herald on Wednesday. Firefighters rescued an elderly woman from her north Coweta home Tuesday after her mattress caught on fire, producing life-threatening amounts of smoke within the confined space.

This was a relatively small fire, but firefighters said it could have ended tragically because the residence did not have a smoke detector. A firefighter said, "The occupant was very fortunate that she awoke to discover the fire because with this type of slow burning, smoldering fire, many times occupants are overcome by the by-products of the combustion process while they are still asleep."

This fire has prompted Coweta Fire Department officials to remind citizens about a free program to provide smoke detectors to elderly residents and the disadvantaged. County fire crews will go out and install smoke detectors free of charge.

If you don't have fire detectors in your home, you need to get them. If you can't afford to purchase the detectors, call the county fire department at 770-254-3900. This is a wonderful service our fire department provides. It can save lives. Don't wait, if you do not have fire detectors in your residence.