Missouri Department of Public Safety recommends safety measures this Halloween

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The Missouri Department of Public Safety suggests families keep safety in mind as they enjoy Halloween festivities this weekend and as they set their clocks back late Saturday night, October 31.

State Fire Marshal Randy Cole is advising Missourians to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to protect their loved ones as they reset their clocks to Standard Time late Saturday night into Sunday morning.

“Working smoke alarms nearly cut in half the risk of dying in a residential fire,” said Fire Marshal Randy Cole. “The simple act of changing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year is one of the most effective ways of protecting your family.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 40 percent of U.S. residential fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms. Also, the National Safety Council reports that almost 700 people die each year as a result of unintentional poisoning by gases or vapors in non-fire situations. Carbon monoxide is involved in the majority of these deaths.

National statistics show:

* On average, home fires kill 540 children ages 14 and under each year.

* Eighty percent of the children who die in home fires are killed in homes without working smoke alarms.

* From 11 p.m. – 7 a.m., when people tend to be asleep and the home is dark, are the peak hours for home fire deaths.

* Only 23 percent of U.S. families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.

Mike O'Connell
DPS Communications
Office: 573-751-4819
mike.o'connell@dps.mo.gov

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