The Dayton Fire Department is reminding Dayton residents to install and check smoke detectors as a way to protect lives and property. The Fire Department is using grant money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to mail postcards to all Dayton homeowners this month. The postcard reminds residents that detectors are required by City ordinance, that they must be in working condition, and that photoelectric or dual sensor type detectors are the better choice. Detectors were not present at 41% of residential structure fires in Dayton last year, and when detectors were present, they failed to operate 10% of the time. Detectors fail when batteries are old or missing, or when the detector itself is more than ten years old or installed in improper locations. For more information on smoke detectors in your home, please see www.daytonohio.gov/firesafety.