Fire Safety
Smoke Alarms &
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are a simple way to alert your family of a fire. How
much do you know about smoke alarms?
- How many smoke alarms should be in my
house?
Smoke alarms should be in or near every bedroom. Check to make
sure there is one close to all sleeping areas. If not get additional
smoke alarms as needed.
- Where should I put my smoke alarm?
Place your smoke alarm on the ceiling or high on the wall. Heat
and smoke rise so these places will detect traces of smoke first.
- What do I need to do to make sure my
smoke alarm is working?
You need to remember two very important things.
- First, test your smoke alarm once a month. Each smoke alarm
has a test button so you can make sure it is still working.
If you don't hear the loud chirping noise change the batteries
immediately. You may not like the loud noise but it could
save your life!
- Second, replace the batteries in your smoke alarms at least
once a year. Lots of families switch their batteries on the
day they switch their clocks to and from daylight savings
time or on New Year's Day. Pick a day with your family and
mark it on the calendar. Also, never borrow batteries from
the smoke alarm for other items. This is very dangerous. You
might find your Walkman more enjoyable than a smoke alarm,
but only one machine can save you from a fire!
Carbon Monoxide
Another danger in your home is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide,
or CO, is a gas made by cars, trucks and all heaters that burn fuel,
like a gas water heater. Carbon monoxide from these things can build
up in your home or car and can cause a VERY bad headache and dizziness.
The most dangerous thing about
this gas is that you can't see or taste it. But don't worry; you
can install a carbon monoxide detector to make sure that your house
is carbon monoxide free. This way, you will know your house is safe.
- Also, remember to check the batteries in your carbon monoxide
detector when you check the batteries in your smoke alarm.
- If you have pets, they can get sick from carbon monoxide, too.
In fact, if they are home more than you are, they may get sick
first. So if your pet is acting funny, check your carbon monoxide
detector.
- Make sure your family knows the difference between the sound
of the smoke alarms and CO detectors in your home.
If you think the carbon monoxide
level in your home is high, get out of your house immediately and
call your local fire department or 911.
Source: National Fire Protection Association
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