Being a firefighter, I have seen and heard this and similar stories too many times. Here is a sure fire bet on checking/changing those batteries:

Change your batteries EVERY YEAR, TWICE a YEAR; when you change your CLOCKS.

(You do not have to throw them out, stick them in the remote or video game.)

Great idea, thanks for chiming in, I hope people can learn from this, myself included. Just such a horrific deal......uuuggghhhhhh

Allan
I heard about that fire I think. That sucks I will keep them in my prayers.
Todd

Sure makes ya look at your own life and realize, no matter how bad things get, in all the everyday bull****. As long as you have your health and your family and loved ones are healthy, everything could be overcome with a little determination. GOD BLESS never ever quit.

SummerOb, you asked about the memorial, it is Saturday 1-3:30. Thanks for all the thoughts guys, just don't confuse my sorrow for their horrific tradegy. Seeya, Allan

I am extremely sorry and sad to read such a tragedy. I truly feel for the family.

Just a note I also want to drop. Some old houses don't have smoke detectors at all. If you are renting or owning a house make sure you have a smoke detector in every level of the house. I had to purchase smoke detectors for the house I am living in, the landlord didn't think it was necessary!!! If anything happens I will be the one that suffers the most.

My deepest sympathy for your friends.

Neda

Even the strongest of men experience times that will put a lump in your throat and make you blink your eyes fast to keep from crying.
My heart goes out to the mother and the family.
And thanks for bringing this story out to the public.

My prayers go out to the family, its very hard losing a loved one, god bless you. Being a contractor of res. homes, we use smoke detectors w/battery backups in all bedrooms, hallways, and kitchens, fires scare the hell out of me for more reasons than one, thank you for the story.

Thanks...............nice memorial service today, family is in excellent spirits considering.......