Know Your Home’s Fire Safety Sounds

It’s Fire Prevention Week, and while fire safety should be a priority year-round, Fire Prevention Week is a great time to make sure your home is protected and that all members of your household are prepared for a fire emergency.?

The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” It’s critical that all members of your household understand the noises made by smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and understand how to exit the home safely in case of an emergency.??

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than 50 percent.?

While smoke alarms have many similarities, it’s important to understand how the devices in your home function. Some alarms use non-replaceable or long-life batteries that can remain effective for up to 10 years, while others will need to be replaced more often.? Your home may also have electrically powered alarms with a battery backup.?

When you move into a new home or install new devices, make sure you review the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you know how to keep them working properly. Regardless of the type of device, you should test your alarms at least once a month.

Smoke alarms will emit sounds in several different situations. All members of your household need to know the different sounds your smoke detectors make - knowing the difference between the various beeps and chirps can save a life!?

If you’re hearing a single chirp every 30 to 60 seconds, this typically means that the batteries in the smoke alarm are running low and need to be replaced.? Depending on the type of alarm, it can also indicate an obstruction in the battery terminal or a need for a system reset.?

The alarm will make a very different sound when it has detected smoke. Most alarms will sound three beeps followed by a brief pause, and this pattern will be repeated over and over.??

Here are a few more tips to help you and your family learn the sounds of fire safety:?

• Know your carbon monoxide detector – Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, and this should also be tested once a month. As with smoke alarms, every member of your household should know the carbon monoxide detector’s alarm sounds (typically four beeps),?
• Practice listening – This can be especially helpful in new homes or with new devices. Many appliances and electronic devices will emit beeps and chirps; make sure everyone knows where sounds may be coming from.?
• Pay attention to how things usually sound - The appliances and heating devices in your home sound a certain way when they are working properly. Take a few minutes to listen and note these sounds – this will help you notice unusual sounds that may indicate a problem.??
• Make sure you have the right devices - 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.

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