The importance of smoke detectors Published Dec. 7, 2007 By Staff Reports 31st Civil Engineer Squadron AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- If you were sound asleep when a fire broke out in your home, do you think the smoke would wake you? If you think so, you're dead wrong. When there's a fire, the smoke may actually put you into a deeper sleep. That's why smoke detectors are so important. They provide an early audible warning of a fire and can provide extra time to escape safely. Smoke detectors can only provide you an early warning if it is working properly. All Built-To-Lease housing units have at least two smoke detectors installed. These detectors are "hardwired," meaning they are connected to the house's electrical system. All housing occupants in BTL, GHRP or Economy housing should have been issued two battery type smoke/carbon monoxide detectors from FMO. Be sure you install them in the hallway outside of sleeping rooms and one in the living room. Test your detectors monthly and change the batteries regularly. You should consult your Fire Alarm User Manual prior to conducting the test. The manual should have been provided by the housing office. If you can not locate it, contact the housing maintenance office at 632-2510. Once any smoke detector activates you should evacuate and meet at a predetermined location. Check the house quickly and if a fire is noticed and you feel confident, use your extinguisher to put the fire out. Call the base fire department from a neighbor's house by dialing 0434-30-8911. Be sure to practice your evacuation plan often so it can be done quickly, even in the middle of the night. If your home does not have smoke detectors, contact FMO to have battery-operated detectors issued to you and install them yourself. If you have any questions on smoke detectors or other fire prevention matters, call the Fire Prevention Office at 632-7530.