By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Did you know changing the batteries in your smoke detectors isn’t the only thing you can do to protect yourself and loved ones in the event of a fire?

National Fire Prevention Week begins Sunday, and Pontiac Fire Chief Scott Runyon has a tip that everyone needs to do in their homes that they might not think to do.

“The theme for this year is ‘Don’t Wait – Check the Date’ which means replace your smoke alarms every ten years. Most people don’t know that and, myself included, couldn’t figure out why our detectors keep beeping at us throughout the night. So you change the battery and they still do it. That means it’s time to change your detector. They don’t last forever. Anywhere from seven to ten years, it’s time to replace it,” Runyon said.

Runyon will be a guest on the Community Forum next week for more fire prevention tips.