TROY, Mich. (WWJ) -- A family of nine is safe and sound after a smoke alarm gave them enough time to escape a fire at their home early Thursday morning.
The Troy Fire Department says the family was sleeping when their smoke alarm went off around 5:30 a.m. and they jumped into action, safely evacuating the home in the 2800 block of Lovington Drive, near Dequindre and 15 Mile Roads.
Officials say some of the family had to use a second means of egress, with children being placed out of a bedroom window. Once they were safely outside, the family called 911.
Stations 1 and 4 responded to the home and found a working fire in a small garage attached to the small, single-story home. Officials say firefighters quickly attacked and knocked down the fire.
The fire was contained to the garage area, with heavy smoke damage in the garage and connecting breezeway to the home, officials said.
No injuries were reported and the family made it out on their own before the fire department arrived.
"This incident shows the importance of having working smoke alarms in every home," Troy Fire Lt. Dan Mahrle said in a press release. "This could have been a very different outcome of the smoke alarms were not installed."
Fire officials say the cause of the fire was determined to be unintentional, but did not disclose what caused the blaze. Damage estimates to the home have not been determined.
Troy Fire Department
The Troy Fire Department recommends putting a working smoke alarm in each bedroom, outside of each sleeping area, and at least one on every level of your home. Each device should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced once a year. All smoke alarms should be replaced when they are 10 years old, fire officials say.
Mahrle says it's also important to have -- and practice -- an escape plan with everyone who lives in your home, knowing two ways out of each room.
The fire department suggests drawing a map of each level of the home, showing the location of all doors and windows. Two way to get out of each room should be identified and the plan should be practiced with all members of your household at least once a year.
"If there are children, older adults or people with disabilities living in the home, plan to have someone assist them," the fire department says.
The fire department also stresses that once you are outside, you should never go back inside for people, pets or personal belongings.
Having a predetermined meeting spot will give everyone a place to unite.
More information on fire escape planning can be found on the National Fire Prevention Association website.
