FIRMS ARE RECALLING DETECTORS

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department again is encouraging area residents to check their smoke detectors. But it's not the battery firefighters want you to check.

A manufacturing company that assembles smoke detectors has announced plans to recall more than 120,000 smoke detectors distributed since July 10, 1992, that do not detect smoke.

"The units may appear to be perfectly normal, even when you test them," said Tom Hinkebein, the city's fire inspector. "But you don't want to find out the unit doesn't work when your house is filled with smoke. Then it's too late to check."

The units being recalled are:

-- Black and Decker Slim Line, models SMK 100, SMK 200 and SMK 300;

-- Jameson Code One 200, models A, C and D;

-- Kidde Smoke and Fire Alarm, model KSA 700;

-- Safety First Baby's Room Smoke and Fire Alarm, model 244;

-- Funtech Safety's Sake, model A; and

-- Maple Chase Firex, models A and B.

Residents owning smoke Black and Decker smoke detectors being recalled are asked to call 1-800-952-1331. People owning other brands should call 1-800-492-4949.

The name of most fire detectors are displayed on the outer shell. The model number appears on the flip side, Hinkebein said.

Handicapped or elderly people who cannot access their smoke detectors are encouraged to call the fire department at 334-3211, to have a crew come out and check it.

"You can buy these models just about anywhere," said Hinkebein. "That's why it's so important to check."