Macon-Bibb County Firefighters and Coroner Urges Residents to Check Smoke Detectors

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Some people have already started using their heaters during the cool fall weather.

Last year there were 12 fire fatalities in Bibb County.

Macon-Bibb County Fire officials and Bibb County Coroner are urging residents to check or install smoke detectors to alert them in the event of a fire.

Firefighters and the coroner, Leon Jones visited Sheila Simonton’s home to explain a vital fire safety precaution.

“My first concern when I walked in the home was the absence of a working smoke detector,” said Macon-Bibb County Fire Lt. Demeterius Ellison. “She had a smoke detector. However, it wasn’t working, that’s a very important key, in fire safety.”

Jones said he feels obligated to help warn people, and prevent more people form becoming fire fatalities.

“As coroner of Bibb County, I think it’s my duty to coordinate with Lt. Ellison of Macon-Bibb County Fire Department to promote safety and smoke alarm awareness. If you have a smoke detector that’s not working, why have one,” said Jones. “The fire department will come out and install smoke detectors, they don’t give them to you.”

Lt. Ellison gave special instructions on installing the smoke detectors.

“Make sure that you place it in between your bedrooms one on each floor. If you have multiple floors,” said Ellison. “When you get it installed test them once a month, and change the battery two times a year, preferably when the time change. The time is about to change now. So it’s a good rule of thought to think about changing the battery also in your smoke detector.”

Simonton says she was impressed with how quickly the firefighters were able to install her smoke detector.

“I will sleep much better knowing that if a fire does break out, I’ll have one in here that will wake me up,” said Simonton. “You know, so I can call 911 and get me and my child out safely.”

Lt. Ellison urges residents to also have a safe meeting place, when they escape a house fire.

He added, homeowners should make sure their windows, are not nailed or painted shut preventing someone from getting out.

If you are in need of a working smoke detector call the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department at 478-751-2709.