Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety

Technology can be a lifesaver if it works, but we have to understand what it is trying to tell us if it is to be effective.

Toward that end, the National Fire Protection Association has chosen “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” as a theme for this week’s Fire Prevention Week observance.

Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? What does it all mean?

Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family! Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and knows how to respond.

Learn the sounds of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by checking the user guide or search the brand and model on line.

What is your alarm telling you?

SMOKE ALARMS

• A continued 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.

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS

• A continuous set of four loud beeps—beep, beep, beep, beep—means carbon monoxide is present in your home.

Go outside, call 9-1-1 and stay out.

• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced.

• CO alarms also have “end of life” sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means it’s time to get a new CO alarm.

• 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.

SAFETY TIPS

• Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in the home.

• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.

• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.

• Practice using you home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year

• Practice using different ways out.

• Close doors behind you as you leave.

IF THE ALARM SOUNDS...

• Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.

• If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.

• Call the fire department from outside your home.

Visit www.nfpa.org for more information.