Change
Your Clock,
Change Your Battery
(Smoke Detector, That Is!)
Every year residential fires account for the most deaths in all types of fires. While each fire has unique circumstances surrounding the incident, there is always one common factor that each fire shared: homes had either no smoke detector or a detector that was not operating correctly.
The 1998 California Fire Code requires that all new AND existing homes have smoke detectors installed. It is impractical for the fire service to inspect each home for this important safety device. Thus, each of us must ensure that our detectors are working properly. If you can’t remember the last time the battery was changed – change it now. In your home there may have been installed the newer detectors, which have a dual power system that features power supplied by both a battery and your home’s electrical system. Most of these dual power units can be checked by looking for a steady burning green light on the exterior of the unit, as well as looking for a flash of red light about every 60 seconds, indicating the backup battery is operable. Please note: the batteries in the dual power detectors also need to be replaced annually.
If you are purchasing a new smoke detector, it is suggested you consider the purchase of a combination Ionization/ Photoelectric style with 10-year batteries. While these require a higher initial investment, the combining of the two detection methods and the longer life batteries could result in real savings!
Smoke Detector Inspection Program
In 2005, the Templeton Fire Department kicked off a free smoke detector inspection program serving all residences within the Templeton Community Services District. The program is designed to ensure that all homes are adequately protected by working smoke detectors, as smoke detectors are lifesavers! We will continue to offer this program as long as we have the personnel to conduct the inspections and smoke detectors to install.
Templeton firefighters will test your detectors and replace defective batteries and/or detectors at no charge! If you would like more information on this life-saving project or wish to schedule an appointment to have your detector(s) inspected, contact Rod Hewitt at 434-4913. Special thanks to the Lions Club, whose generous donation now enables TFD to equip all smoke detectors we install with 10-year batteries!
Even though 86% of all homes in the U.S. have at least one smoke detector, one third aren’t working, with most failures being attributed to the resident’s failure to replace the detector’s battery annually. Current law requires each dwelling unit to have at least one functioning smoke detector; so this spring when you change your clock forward for Daylight’s Savings Time, remember to also change your smoke detector battery! Doing so may save your life or the life of a loved one.
Officials from the California Highway Patrol, the SLO County Sheriff and Templeton Community Services District work together to ensure that a safe and enjoyable environment is maintained throughout the holiday period. Templeton Community Services District permits the sale and use of “Safe & Sane” fireworks in certain areas of Templeton. Fire Chief Greg O’Sullivan reminds visitors and residents alike that ONLY “Safe & Sane” fireworks are allowed in Templeton. 
Fire Prevention Week
Fires starting in and around clothes dryers are all too common. The causes of dryer fires are simple. The lint generated from drying our clothes is allowed to buildup due to poor ventilation. This lint creates obstructions which build up heat; heat that eventually becomes sufficient enough to ignite the lint that’s accumulated around the back of the unit (along with whatever other items that may have been dropped behind the dryer over the years). It is a relatively easy fix to prevent a fire from occurring in your dryer. At least annually, pull the dryer out and clean all lint from in and around the dryer area. Pull the vent hose and be sure that lint hasn’t accumulated in the discharge area of the dryer. Replace the vent hose if any cracks or tears are observed. 
Backyard burning…