Fire Safety Tips

Smoke Detectors

“Detectors are Protectors”

Although 3 out of 4 American families have one or more smoke detectors in their homes, it is believed that as many as 60% are not maintained or disabled to limit nuisance alarms. Consequently, 80% of fire deaths occur in residents not equipped with working smoke detectors.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

You are responsible for the routine maintenance of your smoke detectors.

Read the users instructions included with your detector.

Never ignore an activated detector. Always investigate why your detector is sounding.

If in doubt call 911 immediately.

Never disable any smoke detector by removing the battery.

Heed the low battery warning. Your detector will “chirp” or “beep” when the battery is low.

Replace batteries every 6 months (spring and fall time changes are a good reminder).

Never paint a smoke detector.

Always call your fire department whenever you have a question concerning the operation of your smoke detector.

Never forget that smoke detectors are the most valuable fire prevention tools you will ever have.

Keep it working correctly

Is your address visible?

Is Your “Number” Up?

By far, the most common cause for delay in emergency response is the lack of proper address markings. This is a serious problem that can be easily corrected. Here are some suggestions to help your fire department serve you better.

• If your home is visible from the street, place large numerals on the house in a position that is easily recognized. Use numerals as opposed to script. Script is often difficult to read quickly.
• If your home is set back, place your address numerals on a sign close to the street. Be sure that it can be easily read from any direction.
• If your residence has an alley, be sure to post address numerals in the back of your home as well as the front.
• If you place an emergency call from a neighbor’s house, give the address where the emergency is, not where you are calling from.
• If possible, have someone meet us at the door or end of the driveway to guide us to the emergency.

Remember, anything you can do to help us find you, is a good thing.

Space Heaters

The use of space heaters can be extremely dangerous. If you must use them, make sure they are UL-listed and not placed next to combustible materials such as couches, draperies, or Christmas trees.

Frozen Pipes

The winter season brings very cold weather that can cause pipes to freeze. Thawing those pipes with live flame devices can be very dangerous and is never a recommended practice. UL-listed electrical heating units especially designed for this purpose should be used if possible. If not, try using a hand-held hair dryer. To avoid freezing, allow water to drip slightly from faucets.