Fire Prevention & Safety Tips

Fire Hazards

Is your home fire-safe? There are many home fire and burn hazards, including:

• A broken smoke detector
• Furniture blocking a door
• Too many appliances plugged into an electrical outlet
• Frayed electrical cord
• Paper or fabric too close to a heater
• Lit candles too close to paper or fabric
• Matches, a burning cigarette or lighter left within reach of a child

Free Smoke Detector Program

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) encourages citizens to install and maintain approved smoke detection devices in each bedroom and on each floor level of their residence. Since the majority of fire deaths that occur in residences are caused by smoke inhalation, it is important that all citizens have the early warning a smoke detector can provide. Though many people have smoke detectors, they forget to test them. The KDPS Fire Marshal recommends that smoke detectors should be tested once a month and have new batteries every six months.

For more information about fire hazards or how to get your free smoke detector, stop by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Fire Marshal's Office, located at 150 E Crosstown Pkwy, Suite A, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can call them at 337-8142 or 337-8285.