Smoke detectors: basic fire insurance More and more homeowners consider smoke detectors basic fire insurance: they're inexpen-, inexpen-, sive, offer round-the-clock protection pro-tection and save lives. But they're not a cure-all. Americans have purchased more than 55 million detectors since 1977 and, according to the U.S. Fire Data Center, more than half of all homes are now equipped with them. But the drop in death and injury rates from fire has only been modest. There is increasing evidence that detectors aren't as effective as they could be. Not that smoke detectors don't work, or aren't an important part of a home fire safety plan. In fact, people may count on them too heavily and assume that detectors automatically automati-cally make them immune from the dangers of fire. That can be a fatal mistake. Detectors are effective only when used as part of a comprehensive com-prehensive plan to fight fire. These suggestions are offered as part of a national Burger King' Fire Safety Program to help improve im-prove your chances of safely escaping es-caping from a fire: Install detectors in each sleeping area and at the head of the basement stairs. Locate the alarm nearer to adults than children, chil-dren, since children tend to be deeper sleepers. Regularly check that the detector is working properly. Test the battery once a week and make sure the smoke chamber is clear of dust. Practice fire drills at least twice a year and become familiar famil-iar with the warning signal of the detector. Plan at least two escape routes from each room' and establish a meeting place a safe distance from the home. Realize the limitations of a smoke detector and do everything every-thing to eliminate dangerous conditions around the house that might cause a fire. October is National Fire Prevention Pre-vention Month, and is a good time to make your home fire safe. Installing smoke detectors as part of an overall fire safety program is one of the biggest home improvements you can make this fall. This national fire safety program pro-gram is brought to you as a public pub-lic service by Burger King restaurants. res-taurants. Contact your local restaurant res-taurant manager to learn more on how you can make your home and family safe from fire.