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Fire Prevention Week Oct. 3-9
ire Prevention Week is observed each year during the • A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great low and must be replaced. Chicago Fire, which devastated the city of Chicago when • CO alarms also have “end of life” sounds that vary it began on October 8, 1871. This horrific conflagration killed by manufacturer. This means it’s time to get a new CO alarm. more than 250 people, left 100,000 without homes, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 • Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must acres of land. be replaced. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” works to educate everyone about WHAT IF SOMEONE IN MY HOME IS DEAF OR HARD the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) OF HEARING? alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will • There are smoke alarms and alert devices that alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices include keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises — strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke a beeping sound or a chirping sound — you must take action. alarm sounds. WHAT IS YOUR ALARM TELLING YOU? • Pillow or bed shakers designed to work with your smoke alarm also can be purchased and installed. • For smoke alarms, a continued set of three loud beeps— BEEP, BEEP, BEEP—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, A FEW TIPS TO KEEP EVERYONE IN YOUR HOME and stay out! SAFE FROM FIRE: • A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of everyone in your home, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. • All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years. • Install a bedside alert device that responds to the sound of • Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced the smoke and CO alarms. Use of a low frequency alarm can means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must also wake a sleeping person with mild to severe hearing be replaced. loss. • Sleep with your mobility device, glasses, and phone close CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS SOUND DIFFERENT to your bed. • A continuous set of four loud beeps—BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, • Keep pathways like hallways lit with night lights and free BEEP—means carbon monoxide is present in your home. from clutter to make sure everyone can get out safely Go outside, call 9-1-1 and stay out! when an alarm does sound.
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