Thank you, Carl Blanchard, Deputy Chief from the Liberty Corner Fire Company, for stopping by the office today to share some tips for Fire Safety Month!
To recap:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Include a carbon monoxide alarm as well and place them near natural gas appliances. Furnaces, hot water heaters, dryers and ovens are examples of some natural gas appliances.
- If you have an alarm company that monitors your home – call them prior to testing or changing batteries. Have them put the system on test for an hour or two and call them back when you are done. This prevents a nuisance alarm activation. Changing batteries on day light savings time is an easy reminder and ensuring batteries are changed at least once a year.
- All alarms are recommended to be replaced every 10 years. This is due to dust, moisture as well as the expected lifetime period of the unit. Every unit should have a born-on date – if you cannot find the date just replace the unit.
- Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires. Unattended cooking causes nearly 90% of all kitchen fires. Turn off the stove or oven if you leave the kitchen for an extended period.
- Have a fire escape plan with a meeting place such as a mailbox identified. Try to have 2 means of egress identified in the plan. Practice the plan.
- Get Out, Stay Out and Call for help. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.
I must add the fact that Carl is my husband – and though he might be my favorite fire fighter, I actually have two more favorite fire fighters: our oldest children are also certified fire fighters and members of the Liberty Corner Fire Company!
