Looking for that perfect gift? Maybe a last minute gift idea? Director of Commerce Donna Owens and State Fire Marshal James McNamee are urging Ohioans to consider giving smoke detectors and batteries to friends and relatives this holiday season.

"Send the right signal this holiday season to someone you care about by giving them a smoke detector." said Director Owens, "A smoke detector can be a life saver that ensures many happy holidays to come."

In 1997, there were nearly 15,000 fires in Ohio homes. Only half of those homes were equipped with smoke detectors. Tragically, even when fires struck homes where detectors were installed, one out of every three detectors failed to operate. This resulted in 23 deaths, emphasizing the need to maintain smoke detectors by regularly changing batteries and testing the detectors.

"Just one Smoke detector in the home can double a family's chances of escaping a nighttime fire." said Marshal McNamee, "And, considering you can buy a detector and batteries for as little as $10, why not buy several?" Marshal McNamee recommends the installation of a smoke detector for each sleeping area and on every occupied level of the home.

When selecting a smoke detector make sure it meets nationally recognized standards with the UL label. Also incorporate such important features as a low battery warning signal and detailed installation instructions. Make sure the batteries on your smoke detectors are replaced at least once every twelve months and test the detector monthly. Dead batteries are the leading cause of detector problems.

Smoke detectors can be given as gifts by adults, while a new smoke detector battery can be given by a child as a gift to remind everyone that it's time to change the battery. "Since batteries last about a year, a new battery during the holiday season would help keep the detector in top condition," said Director Owens, "Never borrow a smoke detector's battery for another use -- a disabled detector cannot save your life."

Director Owens recommends the use of a home fire escape plan to augment smoke detectors. Instructions packaged with each detector describe how to make such a plan by emphasizing what each family member is to do if fire strikes.

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