FIRE PREVENTION WEEK IS OCTOBER 3 – 9

“Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” is the national campaign theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, supported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This year’s theme strives to educate everyone about the important sounds smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms make. Knowing the difference and when you must act quickly can save you, your family, and your home.

SMOKE ALARMS:

A continued set of three loud BEEPS – BEEP, BEEP, BEEP – means there is smoke or fire. It’s time to get out of your house, call 9-1-1, and stay out!

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS:

A continuous set of four loud BEEPS – BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP – means that carbon monoxide is in your house. It’s time to get out of your house, call 9-1-1, and stay out!

CHIRPS:

If your alarms “chirp”, a short sound, it means that it’s time to replace the battery or it’s time to replace the entire unit. Check the back of the unit or the user guide to learn what the different chirps mean. If the alarm continues to chirp even with a new battery, replace the entire unit. All alarms must be replaced after 10 years. You can check the back of the unit to read when your alarm was manufactured. If you don’t know how old your unit is, replace it!

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for each other.

Install and maintain working smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement. Working smoke alarms save lives.  They alert you to the danger of smoke and fire. You may have only two minutes to escape safely.

Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from burning fossil fuels, like propane, wood, gasoline, etc. It displaces oxygen in your body, like your brain, and can be fatal.

It’s important that every member of your family knows the difference sounds that your alarms make and how to respond. Plan and practice your escape plan. Designate a safe meeting place away from your home.

If you have questions, contact Spokane Valley Fire Department at 509-928-1700, or visit our website at www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

 

Area Mayor’s within the Spokane Valley Fire Department Fire District proclaimed the week of October 3 – 9, 2021, as Fire Prevention Week.  Mayors signed proclamations at the City Council meetings held during the month of September, 2021.

The goal of Fire Prevention Month (and the week of October 3 – 9) is to raise fire safety awareness, and help ensure workplaces, homes and families have a fire safety plan. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October “Fire Prevention Week” in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. This historic in 1871 helped develop current Fire Prevention Practices utilized today.

During  the month of October, fire departments nationwide provide education to their communities, and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire safety as part of their whole home safety plan. Fire Prevention helps to move citizens away from “when it comes to house fires, it won’t happen to you” and into preparedness.   Unpreparedness can be deadly.

“It is important to take necessary steps to help protect homes in case of a fire emergency,” said Spokane Valley Fire Department Fire Marshal, Greg Rogers.  “Installation of in-home smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and having fire extinguishers checked and ready in critical areas of the home is one key fire safety measure that can save a life and a home.”