Local firefighters help make Habitat homes safe

Local firefighters spent a day off installing fire sprinkler systems inside twenty-two Habitat for Humanity homes.

By installing a sprinkler system and smoke alarm in your home, you can increase your chances of survival in a fire by 82 percent. It is especially important to think about this time of year because Christmas trees are the cause of many house fires.

Fire and Safety educator Meg Langston said, "We recommend that you have a sprinkler system and the reason for it is - it offers precious moments for family members to get out and be safe. It also helps protect our firefighters because it offers them the opportunity for the fire to be under control by the time that they arrive."

One sprinkler head puts out 8 to 13 gallons of water per minute.