Local fire departments are stressing the importance of making sure your family's lives are protected in the case of a house fire.   Reportedly three out of every five home fire deaths resulted from blazes in homes with no working smoke alarms.   Dead batteries caused one-quarter of smoke alarm failures.  Sturgeon Bay Assistant Fire Chief Kalin Montevideo says it is important to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.

Montevideo says detectors should be placed on all levels of your home near bedrooms and places you can hear them when you are sleeping.   She adds that the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department has seen a steady increase in call volumes, in general, this year.  You can find home fire safety tips here.