What is your smoke or CO alarm telling you?
The New Rockford Fire Department and Sheyenne Fire Department are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years-to promote this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety." This year's campaign, October 3-9, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
"What do the sounds mean? Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family," said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA.
"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-you must take action!" said Todd Allmaras, New Rockford fire chief. "Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows 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."
What is your alarm telling you?
SMOKE ALARMS
•A continued 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.
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS
• A continuous set of four loud beeps-beep, beep, beep, beep-means carbon monoxide is present in your home. Go outside, call 9-1-1 and stay out.
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced.
• CO alarms also have "end of life" sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means it's time to get a new CO alarm.
• 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.