[February 28, 2013]

ASI's Battery Campaign Focuses On Fire Safety Awareness

American Strategic Insurance Corp. (ASI) knows firsthand that a properly functioning smoke detector is an around-the-clock sentry which can alert your family at a moment's notice. And making sure the 9-volt battery in your smoke alarm(s) is working can be all it takes to save a life.

As part of an effort to highlight fire safety awareness, ASI has launched its 14^th annual battery campaign. ASI reminds its policyholders to replace the 9-volt batteries as a way to promote fire safety and remind folks to maintain working detectors. This year, ASI will mail more than 1.26 million batteries to its policyholders. The packages, which will have two 9-volt batteries, also will include a safety reminder asking the policyholders to perform the simple task of updating the batteries in their smoke detectors.

"ASI can repair your home, but we can't replace you or your loved ones," said John Auer ASI's president and CEO, about the importance of smoke detectors.

Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that in 2011 there were 370,000 home structure fires in the United States. Those fires caused 2,520 deaths and $6.9 billion in property losses. Information from the NFPA says that "almost two-thirds of home fire deaths were in homes that had no smoke alarm or no working smoke alarm." ASI knows how crucial it is for every home to have functional smoke detectors.

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that smoke alarms be placed on every level of a home and both inside and outside each bedroom. It's best if the alarms are away from air vents. Large homes may need more alarms to provide adequate protection.

Maintenance tips include:

• Test units monthly.
• Replace batteries yearly.
• If you have doubts about the alarm, replace it with a new one.
• Replace detector if it's 10 years old.

Since starting the project, ASI has sent more than 5.6 million batteries to its policyholders.

ASI partners with PARC (Pinellas Association of Retarded Children) in the fulfillment part of the campaign. PARC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to exercise their independence, enjoy an enhanced quality of life and experience life to the fullest.

For information about ASI, go to www.AmericanStrategic.com or call 727-821-8765.

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