GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith and the Gloucester Fire Department urge all residents to “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” and to follow these basic tips to help protect their loved ones during Fire Prevention Week, which is being recognized this year from Oct. 3 to 9.
Fire Prevention Week is organized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and has been recognized for over 90 years. The goal of Fire Prevention Week is to educate the public about simple but important ways they can keep themselves and those they live with safe.
This year’s theme from the NFPA of “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” focuses on beeps, chirps and other noises coming from your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and how knowing what they mean could save your life.
Chief Smith and the NFPA recommend everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and know how to respond.
To learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box, or search the brand and model online. It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—it is time to take action.
Chief Smith and the Gloucester Fire Department urges everyone to recognize these common sounds to help you and your family better understand smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
- A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
- Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week, click here.
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