Safety messages about smoke alarms

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company Fire Prevention Committee recently attended the Long Neck Elementary School and updated the Fire Prevention Information for the current month.  This month’s commentary is safety messages about smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.

• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.

• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.

• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.

• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.

• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

Source:  https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Smoke-alarms/Safety-messages-about-smoke-alarms