SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- It's a time of changes--season, time zone--and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue along with other agencies and groups is continuing its efforts to get smoke and CO detectors in the hands of residents over 60 again this fall. According to Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Dean Lanier, that age group is the most vulnerable to residence fires and CO poisoning.
Lanier said that the city's efforts have helped cut down on the number of fatal fires in the city, from nine deaths over an 18 month period a few years ago to just one death over the past three years.
"We haven't eliminated fire behavior in Sioux Falls," Lanier said at a news conference today. "But we're seeing early detection."
As to CO, it is an odorless gas that Lanier says has about the same density as air. Over 35 ppm, it can kill you.
Lanier says newer homes will have CO detectors because they are required by city building codes. However, old homes and apartments may not have them. Hence, SFFR's program to give out free devices.
If you'd like help setting up your detectors or want to see if you qualify for a free one, call 605-367-8093.
Watch Fire Marshal Lanier's remarks above.