Fire Prevention

 Smoke Alarms and Testing (Smoke Alarm Saturdays)

Make the first Saturday of each month “Smoke Alarm Saturday”! A working smoke alarm will clue you in that there is a fire and you need to escape. Fire moves fast. You and your family could have only minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.

• Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement
  
  
• Test all of your smoke alarms by pushing the test button. If it makes a loud beep, beep, beep sound, you know it’s working. If there is no sound or the sound is low, it’s time to replace the battery. 
  
  Hear a Chirp, Make a Change! A chirping alarm needs attention. Replace the batteries or the entire alarm if it is older than 10 years old. If you don’t remember how old it is, replace it.
  
  
• Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the alarm and what to do when it sounds.

 Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year!

Having a home fire escape plan will make sure everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds so they can get out safely

• Draw a map of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.
• Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure they are part of the plan.
• Make sure all escape routes are clear and that doors and windows open easily.
•  Pick an outside meeting place (something permanent like a neighbor’s house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) that is a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet.
• Everyone in the home should know the fire department’s emergency number and how to call once they are safely outside.
• Practice! Practice! Practice! Practice day and night time home fire drills. Share your home escape plans with overnight guests.

REMEMBER:

When You Hear a Beep, Get On Your Feet! Get out and stay out. Call 9-1-1 from your outside meeting place.