Indian River VFC spreads safety messages during Fire Prevention Activities

During the past few weeks many fire departments across the state and country are spreading the message of safety and fire prevention to all populations including but not limited to schools, churches, daycares, senior centers, et. al.

During this period many local fire departments collaborate with local schools and highlight the long tradition of promoting fire prevention, fire safety, escape planning, and many other topics as well as the State of Delaware’s annual poster and essay contest. The winners of the poster and essay contests will be announced later.

The 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”, works to educate everyone about the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make.

Knowing the sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises, such as a beeping sound or chirping sound you must take action.

Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger, in the event of a fire, you may have little as two minutes to escape safely, which is why smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement). Do not put smoke alarms in your kitchen or bathrooms.

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that displaces oxygen in your body and brain and can render you unconscious before you even realize something is happening to you. Without vital oxygen, you are at risk of death from carbon monoxide poisoning in a short time. CO alarms detect the presence of carbon monoxide and alert you so you can get out and call 911 and let the professionals check your home.

It is important to choose an alarm that is listed with a testing laboratory meaning it has met certain standards for protection. You can choose between a unit that requires yearly changing of batteries or a ten-year unit that you change out at the end of the 10 years will provide protection.

Illustrated herewith are venues that have been attended:

Long Neck Elementary School - http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/43497 and http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/43386

Rehoboth Beach - http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/43389

Carillon Woods - Meet & Greet - http://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/43370?ss=1

Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety Video - https://youtu.be/dglE1B1ydIk

Key messages for “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” include:

• When a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide (CO) alarm sounds, respond immediately by exiting the home as quickly as possible.

• If your alarm begins to chirp, it may mean that the batteries are running low and need to be replaced. If the alarm continues to chirp after the batteries are replaced, or the alarm is more than 10 years old, it is time to replace the alarm.

• Test all smoke and CO alarms monthly. Press the test button to make sure the alarm is working.

• If there is someone in your household who is deaf or hard of hearing, install bed shaker and strobe light alarms that will alert that person to fire.

Know the difference between the sound of a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm – three beeps for smoke alarms; four beeps for carbon monoxide alarms.