2 Alarm Fire Engulfs Raleigh Apartment Complex

4/3/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Alarm

A recent 2 alarm fire in Raleigh, NC sent dozens of residents evacuating from their apartment homes late night on Thursday 03/30/2017. The source of the fire has not yet been released. Initial reports from interviews of the tenants on the local news stated the residents did not hear the smoke alarms going off. Investigation into whether those alarms were operational at the time of the fire are still ongoing. The US Fire Administration shares some startling facts about smoke alarms:

• Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.
• More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Fire deaths most frequently happen at night when people are sleeping. Usually between the hours of 11pm and 7am. By testing your smoke alarm monthly you can be assured it is working if you should need it. Some fire departments offer a complimentary installation of a battery operated smoke alarm. You can contact your local fire department on their non-emergency line to see if this service is available to your community.

Apartment dwellers and home owners alike should take this time to check the batteries in their smoke alarm. If your alarm was installed more than 10 years again then it’s time to replace it. Homeowners can do this themselves, leasee’s should contact their management or maintenance department first. Change your batteries twice a year. Spring and fall are excellent times to do this when the clocks fall back and go forward.

Our hearts and thoughts are with those in the community affected by this tragedy.