Eleven-year-old Jasey Carpenter and her 8-year-old brother Jason Carpenter, Jr., will accept the Smoke Detector On Guard (Smoke D.O.G.) Award from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal and the Coalton Fire Department on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. The ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. at the James A. Rhodes Community Building. The community building is located at 10 Stewart Street in Coalton.

“The Smoke D.O.G. Award recognizes citizens like Jasey and Jason who have saved their lives by responding to the warning sound of a smoke detector,” said State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers. “It is important to have working smoke detectors. Much like a guard dog, a smoke detector stands watch over the home both day and night.”

On July 24, 2012 at 2:33 a.m., Jasey woke to the sound of the smoke alarm in her home at 950 Hardscrapple Road in Wellston. She immediately woke her brother, mom and dad as smoke quickly banked down the ceiling and walls. All four, plus the family dog, were able to escape through Jasey’s bedroom window. The fire originated in the living room at or near an electrical outlet and caused extensive damage to the home. Fire Chief John Frisby said, “Within another one to two minutes this family would not have escaped the smoke and hot gasses had it not been for the working smoke alarm.”

“The facts speak clearly: working smoke detectors save lives and also double individuals’ chances of escaping a fire,” said Marshal Flowers. “I encourage all Ohioans to make sure their smoke detectors are properly placed, regularly tested and maintained. By taking the time to test them monthly, you might save your life, the lives of your family members and your property if fire ever breaks out in your home.” Marshal Flowers also stresses that every family member should know at least two ways out of the home as part of an effective home fire escape plan.

Jasey and Jason will be presented the Smoke D.O.G. Award by representatives from the Division of State Fire Marshal and the Coalton Fire Department.

To date in 2012, 60 fatal residential fires in Ohio have claimed the lives of 69 people. Of those 60 fatal fires, 53 of the homes had no confirmed working smoke alarm.

Source: Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office