SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The fire safety training video teaches the importance of smoke detectors in preventing home fires. Home fires can spread rapidly, making early detection through working smoke detectors important for ensuring safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association, non-working smoke alarms contribute to over 80 deaths per year.
Syracuse resident Alex Caban said she knows the importance of functional smoke detectors.
“One time I did burn something, I was baking cookies and it started smoking and the smoke detector went off and the fire department came and it was like really fast and it was really helpful,” Caban said.
Syracuse District Fire Chief Matt Craner says that over the last decade, the fire department has prioritized raising awareness about smoke detectors within the community. Craner says this effort is to increase the number of households equipped with functioning smoke alarms, contributing to enhanced fire safety awareness.
“The public is aware of the importance of having working properly installed smoke detectors in their homes and we continuously work to make sure that we are providing the best means of communication that we are providing the most options for our citizens,” Craner said.
Craner says every fire truck has smoke detectors for residents in need. Social media platforms like TikTok offer detailed tutorials for installing smoke detectors, covering location selection, wiring, and testing. These tutorials provide insights into needed tools and materials. Alex Caban says she feels reassured, knowing she can still feel safe even if she burns cookies.
“If something is burning or smoking I want to make sure that it works,” Caban said.
Chief Craner stated that if the community is in need of updated smoke detectors, they should visit the Syracuse Department website for more information.