BUT, if Bob doesn't have smoke detectors, he should get some. They save lives. BOB--READ THIS, SVP.

"Smoke alarms save lives
   
At 2:08 a.m. on Monday, July 11, a 911 caller reported a fire at 64 Jenkinson Way, southeast of Kennedy Road and Lawrence Ave. E. Fortunately, smoke alarms activated to alert a sleeping family of five to escape outside to safety.

First arriving Toronto firefighters on pumper 232 from a fire station at 1550 Midland Road, announced heavy black smoke coming from a third floor window. While battling the blaze, fire was in all rooms on both floors. The fire appears to have originated in the kitchen area. Fire loss is estimated at $350,000"

And another, FYI.

"Each year, thousands of household fires destroy dwellings and take lives or cause injury. In Germany, for example, the sad statistics are around 600 deaths, 6000 people with severe injuries, and 60,000 sustaining slight injuries. Fires kill around two people a day and most of them die in their own homes. But the majority of victims don't die from the burns they suffer, they succumb to smoke poisoning.

One third of all fires occur during the hours of darkness and nighttime is a particularly dangerous period. An increase in the carbon monoxide content of the air means that sleeping occupants drift into unconsciousness, without even waking up. The other toxins contained in smoke contribute to the life-threatening effect of carbon monoxide, so that the poisonous gases present in smoke can often lead to death within the space of a few minutes.
   
               

   The number of deaths caused by fires could be cut by half   

   Smoke alarms can save lives in cases like this. These battery-operated alarms are no bigger than the palm of your hand. They emit a piercing noise if smoke spreads in dangerous concentrations. This gives occupants valuable minutes that may mean the difference between life and death – irrespective of whether it's nighttime, or if a fire starts in some distant room in big apartments or houses.

The use of smoke alarms in private households is clearly reflected in statistics from countries where the installation of these alarms is common. The total number of people killed as a result of fire was reduced by 40 percent in the USA where 90 percent of households have a smoke alarm. In Sweden, the number of fire deaths halved, even though only 70 percent of households have these mechanical lifesavers."

The thing about minutes is real. One of the reasons firefighters wear breathing apparatus is because they need protection from the gasses and toxins in the smoke. Minutes make a real difference when there is smoke in the house. Ya gotta get some, Bob.