SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Fire Department is urging everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms installed in their homes, especially in light of recent fatal house fires.
“The last year has been tragic with 16 fire fatalities in the last year alone here in San Antonio,” said Joe Arrington, SAFD public information officer. “Give yourself every fighting chance you have of getting out of your home safely should you have a fire in your home.”
Firefighters responded to a duplex fire off Meeks Avenue near South Cross Monday afternoon where an elderly man was discovered dead inside.
“During that we did find a male unknown age deceased on the couch. The cause is undetermined at this time,” said Fire Chief Charles Hood.
Fire officials noted the man who died may have been physically disabled based on a wheelchair and walker found on the property.
“Again, not knowing whether they tried to get out or not. No smoke detector that we know of right now, at least it was not active,” Hood said.
Arrington stressed a working smoke alarm increases your chances of survival.
These days, Arrington said many smoke alarms come equipped with 10-year battery life. It’s advised to test the alarms monthly.
An 82-year-old woman died in a house fire on the west side in July, where a smoke detector was not activated. This event served as another opportunity for SAFD to promote the importance of having the potentially life-saving devices.
People who cannot afford a smoke alarm can call the United Way Help Lifeline at 211 for free inspection and installations.
“211 or FireSafeSA.com. If it takes us going out every single day installing smoke alarms, that’s our charge, Arrington said. “We would love to see them outside of every sleeping area and hallways throughout the house, multiple smoke alarms, for your safety, for your family’s safety.”
SAFD accepts smoke detector donations at any fire station exception Station 23 at the airport.
The smoke alarms must be in their original packaging.