Learn The Sounds Of Fire Safety

October 3-9 is Fire Prevention Week.  This year’s theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”.  This campaign strives to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

What do the sounds mean? Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family.

When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—you must take action! Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. To learn the sounds of your specific smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, press the test button and check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box or search the brand and model online.

SMOKE ALARMS

• A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
• All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) DETECTORS

• A continuous set of four loud beeps – beep, beep, beep, beep – means carbon monoxide is present in your home. Go outside, call 9-1-1 and stay out.
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced.
• CO alarms also have “end of life” sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means its time to get a new CO alarm.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.

Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors meet the needs of everyone in your home, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

(City of Brandon PSA)