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Washington City Fire Department

Smoke Alarms, A Sound You Can Live With

Spring is that time of year we look forward to longer days and usher in fabulous weather. It is also the time to think about a semi-annual review of fire safety in the home. As you recall in past  news letters, we have discussed holiday decorations and cooking safety, space heaters and fireplaces and now, working smoke alarms.

Each year nearly 3,000 people die in U.S. home fires. Nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. In more than half of the reported home fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, batteries were missing or alarms were disconnected. Research shows that 30 years ago, you had about 17 minutes to escape a house fire. Today, you have only 3 or 4 minutes. Early detection and rapid alarms, along with a Home Fire Exit Plan can be the difference between life and death. The sounding of a smoke alarm will allow you to immediately exit the home. Often people hesitate with sometimes tragic results.

In nearly all newer homes (<15 yrs old) smoke alarms are hardwired and only require a battery for backup power. Older homes may have only battery powered smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly according to manufacturer's written instructions. Batteries replaced once a year or more often if necessary. Unless otherwise specified, always use high quality name brand 9V alkaline batteries.

Smoke alarms have a functional life span of ten years. Homeowners should check the manufacture date (found on back of alarm unit) and replace those greater than ten years old. Alarms should be located in each sleeping area and in areas outside sleeping areas. The should be a minimum of one alarm on each level of the home.

If your smoke alarm makes a chirping, bird-like noise, test it first and replace the batteries. The chirping sound should be an alert the batteries are not charged enough. The other cause might be loose wires if the unit is wired through your house power. There may be dead insects, dust or other debris around the sensors so try vacuuming in and around the smoke alarm, or you can try using a can of compressed air to blow debris out and away. If changing the batteries and cleaning does not work, you need to replace the smoke alarm. Most manufactures have a website that has instructions regarding their alarms.

If you need assistance with servicing your smoke alarms, or information on Home Fire Exit Drills contact the fire department at CERT@washingtoncity.org or call the main fire station at 435 673-4788.


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