Did you know that in the United States, 80 percent of all civilian fire deaths result from home structure fires? The National Fire Protection Association estimates that most of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented by the presence of a working smoke alarm. That's critical because smoke alarms are one of the best and easiest safety features you can use to protect yourself, your family and your home.

Our department is committed to preventing fires in the home and ensuring the survival of residents should a fire occur. Collectively, we are kicking off a program to ensure all homes in Loudoun County are protected by working smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms operate by sensing smoke from a fire usually before the fire becomes fully developed. Smoke is a killer, mainly because it contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and tasteless gas that often suffocates sleeping victims. The chances of surviving a home fire greatly increase when working smoke alarms are installed in or near sleeping areas. In addition, families should test their smoke alarms monthly and develop and practice an escape plan so that every family member knows what to do in the event of a home fire.

Smoke alarms may be purchased locally at most hardware and home improvement stores. They are a relatively inexpensive investment, given their outstanding track record of success in saving lives over the last thirty years. If you already have smoke alarms, remember to check them regularly (at least once a month) and, if battery powered, replace the batteries annually when you "change your clock" in the spring or fall. Furthermore, if the smoke alarms are older than ten years, they should be replaced.

As mentioned earlier, the members of the fire and rescue system are prepared and willing to visit your home to offer a free smoke detector check, as well as provide additional fire safety information.  We will replace batteries and provide or replace smoke alarms if needed. More information about smoke alarms is available at www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms. You may also call our Public Education hotline at 703-737-8093. Please leave us your name, number and a brief message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

In closing, my goal as the Fire Chief is to prevent fire injuries and deaths and ensure that all residents remain safe in their homes with properly maintained and working smoke alarms.

Smoke Alarms do save lives! Make sure yours is up to the task!