Learn the sounds of Fire Safety – National Fire Prevention Week
National Fire Prevention week is coming up next week, October 3rd through the 9th. The NFPA’s theme for the year is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”. This year they want to make everyone aware of the difference between the sounds of a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide one. As we are approaching fall and winter, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.
Always install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Fire alarms detect the smell of smoke generally before a person will. There should be a fire alarm system installation performed in every bedroom, in hallways, and even basements.
As far as carbon monoxide, it doesn’t have a smell and emits a colorless gas. This gas takes over the oxygen that is in a person’s body which is why it’s so dangerous. It can happen before you are even away. If you have natural gas in your home, you should have a CO detector in it. Learn how to use a gas cylinder calculator to determine your gas cylinder consumption. If you do not have these kind of detectors and suspect their may be carbon monoxide present in the home, you can call indoor air quality testing services and they can verify this for you.
Recognize the sounds and what they mean
Smoke alarms:
- If your smoke alarm makes three (3) loud beeps it means that there is smoke or fire.
- If your smoke alarm makes a single chirp every 30 seconds or so, that means you need to replace the batteries.
- If it continues to chirp after you replace the battery, it means it is like needs to be replaced.
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms:
- If your CO alarm makes four (4) loud beeps it means that there is carbon monoxide in your home. Be sure to get out quickly and call 911.
- Just like your smoke alarm, if it makes a single chirp every 30 seconds or so, you need to replace the battery as well.
- If your alarm continues to beep after replacing the battery, it likely needs to be replaced as well.
Both your smoke alarm and CO alarms should be replaced every 10 years. To further enhance your overall fire safety measures, consider seeking professional assistance, such as fire barrier consulting & education. Should your home be damaged in a fire, security measures or no, keep in mind that there are fire restoration companies that can assist you.
You can learn more about Fire Prevention Week and other safety precautions by visiting firepreventionweek.org.