OSWEGO -- In the wake of a deadly fire that killed eight people in the Town of Richland, the Oswego Fire Department is trying to raise public awareness about the importance of smoke detectors.
Investigators say there were no smoke detectors in the house that burned in Richland. The Oswego Fire Department is reminding residents to make sure they have working smoke detectors in every room and every floor of their homes. Smoke detectors need to be checked at least twice a year. A good time to do that is when clocks are set forward or back each spring and fall.
Oswego Firefighter Lt. Justin Norfleet says because smoke travels so quickly the early warning provided by a smoke detector could be the difference between life or death. "It's really a tragedy when people don't have smoke detectors because it is a very inexpensive way to protect yourself and your family by having smoke detectors in your home," Norfleet says.
If you don't have a smoke detector, the Oswego, Syracuse and Ithaca Fire Departments will give you one and install it in your home free of charge.
