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Change the clocks – Change the batteries
October 30th, 2009As the U.S. Fire Administration kicks off their Public Fire Safety Campaign, it seems an apt time to remind everyone to replace batteries in smoke detectors. We’ve all heard the “change the clocks, change the batteries” saying. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, when both smoke alarms and fire sprinklers are present in a home, the risk of dying in a fire is reduced by 82 percent, when compared to a residence without either.
The USFA offers a few helpful tips on smoke alarms and sprinklers:
• Place properly installed and maintained smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
• Interconnected smoke alarms are best, because if one sounds, they all sound.
• The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that every residence and place where people sleep be equipped with both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and change alkaline batteries at least once every year, or as instructed by the manufacturer. You can use a date you already know, like your birthday or when you change your clocks as a reminder.
• If possible, install residential fire sprinklers in your home.
• Avoid painting or covering the fire sprinkler, because that will affect the sensitivity to heat.
So while you are running around on a sugar high this weekend, please take the time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
It’s also a great time for a conversation with your family about what to do if a fire occurs in the house. See my earlier blog post called We meet at the mailbox. Where do you meet?
We meet at the mailbox. Where do you meet?
October 21st, 2009If for some reason we need to eva
cuate our house, we meet at the mailbox. Our mailbox is at the end of our driveway. I chose this spot because first responders arriving to the house will see my kids if they are there. You don’t want to be in a situation where you are wondering where everyone is.
I’ve taught my oldest son several rules that he must abide by during a fire:
1. He may never hide. He can’t hide in the closet, under the bed or in the bathroom. All too often kids hide during a fire and can’t be found by firemen.
2. He must leave the house immediately. He may not grab even his most favorite possessions, whether that means his blanket, his hamster, or his toys.
3. He may NEVER go back into the house during the fire.
4. He must stay at the mailbox until I come get him or a policeman comes to get him.
Remember, you may need to evacuate your house for a number of reasons: fire, smoke, carbon monoxide warning, and wind or flood damage. Help your kids know how to get out of the house safely and where to go once they exit the house so they are safe. A little planning ahead can prevent danger and anxiety later.