In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape.

Why Should My Home Have Smoke Alarms?In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are a very important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal -- so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home.What Types of Smoke Alarms Are Available?There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market but they fall under two basic types:  ionization and photoelectric.Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a flaming, fast moving fire occurs. Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires. There are also combination smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different yet potentially fatal fires, and because homeowners cannot predict what type of fire might start in a home, the USFA recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms.In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.Okay, Where Do I Put Them?Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.Where Would I Get Smoke Alarms?Many hardware, home supply, or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. If you are unsure where to buy one in your community, call your local fire department (on a nonemergency telephone number) and they will provide you with some suggestions. Some fire departments offer smoke alarms for little or no cost.Are Smoke Alarms Hard to Install?If your smoke alarms are hard wired, that is wired into the electrical system, you will need to have a qualified electrician do the initial installation or install replacements.  For battery powered smoke alarms, all you will need for installation is a screw driver. Some brands are self adhesive and will easily stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed.  For all smoke alarm installations, be sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions because there are differences between the various brands.  If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help. Some fire departments will install a smoke alarm in your home for you. Call your local fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) if you have problems installing a smoke alarm. Helpful Tip Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day.

If your smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise, replace the batteries and reset it.


How Do I Keep My Smoke Alarm Working?If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:

Smoke Alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer’s instructions.

In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

In hard-wired, battery back up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least once per year. The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

What if the Alarm Goes Off While I’m Cooking?Then it’s doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking.  Instead clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may need to be moved to a new location. Some of the newer models have a “hush” button that silences nuisance alarms.How Long will my Smoke Alarm Last?Most alarms installed today have a life span of about 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. It is a good idea to write the date of purchase with a marker on the inside of your alarm so you will know when to replace it. Some of the newer alarms already have the purchase date written inside. In any event, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement.Anything Else I Should Know?Some smoke alarms are considered to be “hard-wired.” This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery backup. It’s important to test every smoke alarm monthly and replace the batteries with new ones at least once a year.  The U.S. Fire Administration would like to remind you of some important fire safety and prevention information.

• Plan and practice escape plans several times a year.
• Make sure your whole family knows when and how to call emergency telephone numbers.
• Obtain and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors.
• Consider installing residential fire sprinklers in your home.

Source: United States Fire Administration, National Fire Academy

In 2003-2006, the leading factor contributing to home heating fires (28%) and deaths (46%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding (Source: NFPA). Many heating fires can be prevented by following basic safety tips when dealing with any heating equipment:

• Keep or maintain a 3 foot clearance between all heating equipment and anything that can burn.
• Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly for safety.
• Be sure to have fixed space heaters installed by a qualified technician, according to manufacturer’s instructions or applicable codes.  Or, make sure a qualified technician checks to see the unit has been properly installed.
• When buying a new, portable space heater, make sure it has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn - including furniture, blankets, curtains, and paper products.
• Choose space heaters that turn off automatically if they tip over.
• Never use a space heater to dry clothing.
• Do not use your oven to heat your home.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.  For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home.  When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Source: United States Fire Administration, National Fire Academy

When most people think about celebrating their birthday, they think about food, cake and spending time with their family. This past Saturday one young man, his friends and their parents made a trip to our fire department and celebrated a birthday. In addition to the ‘traditional’ birthday festivities attendees were treated to a tour of the department, our apparatus and our state of the art Life Safety Trailer. During the tour, everyone learned about our operations and how to safely exit their home under smoke conditions.

 
If you would like to schedule a station tour, educational event or have our Life Safety trailer at your next event, please contact our Life Safety staff @ LifeSafety@kivfd.org

The Department's new 35 ft Safety Trailer has arrived at Station 1. This trailer will be used to teach fire safety and injury prevention in both the Community and at the Station. The trailer features props to support  teaching kitchen safety, learning to exit a smoke filled room, talking with a 911 dispatcher, and experiencing what its like to ride out a tornado. The Life Safety Staff will be taking the next few weeks to train with the trailer and get it ready to start making visits in the Community. If you would like the trailer to visit your school or event, please send an email to the Life Safety Staff at lifesafety@kivfd.org.

Beginning in August, members of our Life Safety staff will be visiting local businesses and commercial occupancies to begin our Pre-Planning and Inspection program. This will involve an initial visit with the property owner or property manager to distribute a self inspection package and explain the program, a follow-up visit from a member of our staff to assist with completion of the package and entering of data collected into our software program.

The information will include site plans, evacuation plans, number of persons occupying the structure at all times and hazardous materials on site. This information will be utilized to better effect a response strategy for your business or commercial occupancy in order to increase protection to you and the members of our community.

Please look for further information prior to the program roll-out on our website and local media.  

 
Questions regarding this new initiative should be directed to:
 
FF Steve Andrews @ KIVFD, Station 1 410.643.5454