Smoke detectors save lives.
Early-warning systems often make the difference between escaping from fire and smoke and being trapped by them. Republican state Rep. Wayne Smith and Democratic state Sen. David McBride propose that the state provide hard-wired smoke detectors with battery backups for all Delaware private residences. Low-income families would be given preference in this program, to be spread over several years. So far this year there have been 14 fire deaths in the state, compared to 16 fatalities in 2000. Clearly, there is a need to improve people's chances of survival.