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As Fire Prevention Week (October 3-9, 2021) comes to a close, The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., wants to remind everyone that they have the power to prevent tragedies in the home or workplace.
Established in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge, Fire Prevention Week is the longest-running public health observance in the U.S. In addition to prevention tips, FPW also provides resources to help children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in the event of fires.
This year’s theme – “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” – focuses on the different sounds made by smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and the steps people should take to respond.
- Smoke alarms sense smoke before people, and should be placed in every bedroom, outside of sleeping areas (like a hallway), and on each level of a home (including the basement), but not in kitchens or bathrooms. When smoke alarms sound a continued set of three loud beeps, it’s time to get to safety and call 911. A single “chirp” every 30-60 seconds means it’s time to replace the battery.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that displaces oxygen in your body and brain, can render you unconscious without you even knowing what happened, and prove fatal in a short amount of time. CO alarms sound a continuous set of four loud beeps when CO is detected, which means you should get outside and call 911. A single “chirp” every 30-60 seconds means it’s time to replace the battery.
This helpful Fire Safety Sounds tip sheet provides additional information about the sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as some helpful ways to remember the difference: Hear a Beep, Get on Your Feet! and Hear a Chirp, Make a Change!
Evaluate Your Family’s Fire Safety Plan
Because mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and tragedy, having a plan in place is vital whether you’re at work, school, or home.
FPW’s Family Home Safety Action Plan is a great resource to help families take actionable steps to improve their emergency preparedness. For example, you can:
- Make the first Saturday of each month “Smoke Alarm Saturday” – a day to test all smoke alarms and change the batteries of any chirping alarms.
- Create a home escape plan that includes a map of your homes, escape routes, and special steps for helping young children or people with disabilities who may need help. You should practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
As a firm that fights for victims harmed in fires and explosions, The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., encourages everyone to evaluate their fire preparedness and explore the resources available from firepreventionweek.org!
