City Of Marion: Fire Prevention Week Returns In October

Press release from the City of Marion:

October 29, 2021

This year’s Fire Prevention Week (FPW) campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” works to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. It’s important to know what to do anytime an alarm sounds to keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms:

What’s the difference between smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms? Why do I need both?

Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. In the event of a fire, you may have as little as two minutes to escape safely, which is why smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping areas (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, call 9-1-1, and let the professionals check your home.

How do I know which smoke and CO alarm to choose for my home?

Choose an alarm that is listed with a testing laboratory, meaning it has met certain standards for protection. Whether you select a unit that requires yearly changing of batteries or a 10-year unit that you change out at the end of the 10 years, either will provide protection. CO alarms also have a battery backup. For the best protection, use combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. These can be installed by a qualified electrician so that when one sounds, they all sound. This ensures you can hear the alarm no matter where in your home the alarm originates.

Do you hear a beeping or a chirping sound coming from your smoke detector or carbon monoxide alarm? What does it all mean?

Knowing the difference can save you, your family and your home. If you hear a beep, you must get on your feet! A beeping sound means smoke or carbon monoxide is present. Get out, call 9-1-1 and stay out. Hear a chirp? You need to make a change! A chirping sound means the battery is low or the entire alarm needs to be replaced. Check the battery. If the battery is low, replace it. Check the expiration date on the back of the alarm. If the alarm is more than 10 years old, replace it.

Do I have to test my alarms each month?

Yes. Test the alarms by pressing and holding the test button to make sure you hear a loud “Beep, beep, beep” sound. Consider setting an alert on your cell phone to remind you to test the alarms monthly and change the batteries annually. In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for everyone to take some time this October during FPW to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire. For more information and to learn the sounds of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, go to fpw.org. Check the user guide or search your brand and model online. If you have any additional questions, please call the Marion Fire Department at 319-377-8237.

This press release was produced by the City of Marion. The views expressed here are the author’s own.