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October 3rd-9th, 2021 is Fire Prevention Week
10/5/2021 (Permalink)
"Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety" as you make your fire safety preparations!
One of the most important fire safety steps that you can take to safeguard your home and/or business is to practice fire prevention. This year, fire prevention week is October 3rd-9th, with the 2021 campaign being “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” This campaign focuses on knowing the different sounds that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors make, including a low batter indicator, devices and specialized equipment available as it relates to alarm systems for the deaf or hard of hearing, and what everyone in the building should do if the fire or carbon monoxide alarm does sound. Additional information on the 2021 Fire Prevention Campaign can be found at https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week/About
Chirp vs. Beep. What’s the Difference?
A chirping alarm indicates that there is an issue with the alarm, most likely a low battery. If you hear a chirping sound coming from you alarm, it is either time to change the battery, or possibly even the entire alarm. It is recommended that as a standard practice you test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a month, change out batteries twice a year, and replace the entire detector once every 10 years.
A beeping alarm means that smoke or carbon monoxide has been detected in the structure. Hear a beep = get on your feet! Once you have safely evacuated the building, make a call to emergency services, and be sure to stay out of the building until it is deemed safe for re-entry by first responders.
Alarm Systems for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing
There are many technologies available to alert the deaf or hard of hearing to a fire or carbon monoxide issue. Alarms that produce a strobing or flashing light as well as devices that work along with your smoke alarm to shake your bed when the alarm is triggered are a couple of examples. When using devices designed to aid the deaf or hard of hearing, it is important to make sure they are installed appropriately, tested regularly, and are kept in good working order in case of an emergency.
Utilizing appropriate fire prevention equipment is just one step in practicing fire safety. Having an evacuation plan, practicing that plan on a regular basis, and having a designated meeting spot in case of a fire or carbon monoxide evacuation are all also extremely important. When it comes to fire safety, the more prevention and preparation practiced the better! If you are interested in learning more about fire prevention, many great resources are available:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/fire-prevention-week.html
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html
https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/fire-prevention/index.html