October 3rd-9th is Fire Prevention Week
Smoke detector knowledge urged in Warren County
This week is Fire Prevention WeekTM, and Warren County Office of Emergency Services is urging our residents to take advantage of the educational opportunities that are available to learn more about how to stay safe from fire.
While observing COVID guidelines, some schools in Warren County have events planned during this week with their local fire departments. Many online educational offerings are also available at firepreventionweek.org.
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) -- the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years -- is promoting this year’s Fire Prevention WeekTM campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire SafetyTM.” This year’s campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
“What do the sounds mean? Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family,” said Lorraine Carli, vice-president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA.
Warren County encourages all residents to embrace the 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme.
“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—you must take action!” said Ann Marie Mason, Director of Warren County Office of Emergency Services. “Make sure everyone in your home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. To learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box, or search the brand and model online.”
Here are a few safety tips to help you “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”:
- A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
- A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
- Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Fire Prevention Week is also a good time to schedule an annual heating system inspection and cleaning, Mason said. That includes a chimney cleaning for woodstoves and fireplaces, the leading cause of heating-related fires.
And please remember to change smoke detector batteries in the coming weeks as daylight savings time ends.
Resources:
What if myself or someone in my home is deaf or hard of hearing?
Fire Prevention Week resource (FPW) (nfpa.org)
Learn the Sounds of Safety