Fire safety begins with detectors

As fire marshal, Stephen Williamson is part of the police department, not fire department, and is in charge of safety, prevention and code enforcement.

He recommends smoke detectors in bedrooms, halls, and any room with electronics. They should be tested frequently. Old smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, even if they test okay. Williamson said there are many new types of detectors on the market. Some will wake you in a talking voice rather than an alarm tone, and for kids' rooms you can record your own message so children wake up to their mother's voice.

Fire extinguishers in key locations like the kitchen are a good idea, but Williamson warns they require periodic inspection. A fire extinguisher should have a gauge to show that it is full.

An exit strategy is important for every family. "We're going to be starting a lot of education programs with the schools in 2007," Williamson said.

He is also targeting businesses for inspection. Exit doors need to be unlocked during business hours, and all exits left unblocked.

"If a business owner will ask me a question, I'll help them, " Williamson said.