The 2024 Fire Safety Tips

On each phone QSOs, we like to read a hint for fire safety. Here is the complete tip list for this year's special event.

1. Make smoke alarms work for you!
2. You could have very little time to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds – as little as two minutes.
3. Smoke alarms warn you early so you can get outside quickly. For your safety, keep them in good working order.
4. Make an escape plan. Have two ways to get out of every room if possible. Practice your plan.
5. Know where and how to install your smoke alarms.
6. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom.
7. Put smoke alarms outside each separate sleeping area, such as a hallway with multiple bedrooms.
8. Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including the basement and garage.
9. To install your smoke alarm, follow the instructions that come with it.
10. Interconnected alarms protect you best. When one sounds, they all sound.
11. If you sleep with the bedroom doors closed, interconnected alarms are best.
12. A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall.
13. When you install a smoke alarm, write the date when you installed it on the back.
14. Do not paint over or cover smoke alarms.
15. When you move into a new home or apartment, test all the alarms. Don’t assume that they are working.
16. Know how to choose your smoke alarms.
17. Your local fire department can help you pick the alarms you need.
18. Only buy alarms that are UL, ULC, or Factory Mutual certified.
19. The two most common types of smoke alarms are ionization and photoelectric alarms./li>
20. An ionization smoke alarm is more responsive to flaming fires.
21. A photoelectric smoke alarm is more responsive to smoldering fires.
22. Dual-sensor smoke alarms are also available. These have both ionization and photoelectric detectors.
23. For the best protection, or where extra time is needed to wake up or help others, use both types of alarms or dual-sensor alarms.
24. To reduce nuisance alarms, use photoelectric smoke alarms near the kitchen and bathrooms.
25. Know how and when to test and maintain your smoke alarms.
26. Test your smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
27. To keep your alarms working, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning them.
28. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with non-replaceable, long-life batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years.
29. If an alarm with non-replaceable batteries chirps, this is a warning that the battery is low. Replace the entire alarm right away.
30. For an alarm that has replaceable batteries, change the batteries once a year or if it starts to chirp.
31. If an alarm with replaceable batteries chirps, replace only the battery.
32. Replace the entire smoke alarm every ten years, even if it seems okay.
33. For more helpful information, visit the Fire Prevention Week website at www.fpw.org. Also see www.nfpa.org and your local fire and police departments.