FORT MCMURRAY (660 NEWS) It is Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme is “learn the sounds of fire safety.”
Everyone is encouraged to take time this week to learn or refresh their knowledge about ways to prevent fires and how to stay safe during an emergency.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm sounds:
It’s important to know what to do when a noise is coming from a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.
A loud beeping sound means smoke or carbon monoxide is present. Get out, call 911 and stay out.
A chirping sound coming from a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm means the battery or entire alarm needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Test alarms every month.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms need to be tested every month to ensure they’re still working properly. Testing an alarm takes less than 15 seconds and is done by pressing and holding the test button to make sure it makes three or four loud beep sounds. If no sounds are made or the alarm is over 10 years old, it’s time for a new one.
Prepare a home fire escape plan:
Having a home fire escape plan ready saves time when it matters most and helps keep loved ones safe. Multiple escape routes for each area of the home are a key component of this plan as a fire may block access. Here are tips to help develop a home fire escape plan:
Draw a map of each level of the home, including doors and windows, and identify two ways out of each room.
Pick a meeting place outside, preferably in front of the home.
Practice home fire drills twice a year.
it’s also important to be alert in the kitchen. One of the leading causes of household fires is unattended cooking. Anyone cooking should be in the kitchen the entire time and turn the stove off if leaving the room, even for a short period of time.
