'Take Ten On 10/10' fire safety campaign urges smoke alarm test, home fire drills

WASHINGTON - Fire Prevention Week is almost here and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is kicking off its new fire safety campaign - Take Ten On 10/10.

The goal behind the campaign is to urge residents to take ten minutes on October 10th to test smoke alarms, practice a home fire drill, and update their Family Emergency Kit.

Fire Chief Scott Goldstein says the life expectancy for most smoke detectors is ten years. New models, he said, have a built-in battery that will power the smoke detector for its entire lifespan.

If you need one, if you don't have one, all of the regional fire departments will come out and provide a smoke detector," Goldstein said.

Take Ten on 10/10:

SMOKE ALARMS
--Test smoke alarm
--Replace old alarms with 10-year models

HOME FIRE DRILL
--Map out an escape plan
--Have an outdoor meeting place
--Practice with a home fire drill

FAMILY EMERGENCY KIT
--Have at least 3 days of basics
--Store supplies in sturdy container
--Put it where you can easily grab it

For more on fire safety or to schedule a free home safety check in Montgomery County, call 311 or go to mcfrs.org/mcsafe.