Fire Safety Week is October 3 to 9, and the Springfield Township Fire Department would like to educate the public on smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are vital for detection of a fire when it begins. Hearing the beep of the detector allows for the occupant(s) of the residence to exit safely and call for help. Remember, once you have exited the residence to never return back inside as conditions may have changed, and that will potentially put you in danger. During Fire Prevention Week, practice the escape plan your family has come up with, and ensure that you and your children know how to safely and quickly exit the residence in the event of a fire.
It is important to have at least one working smoke detector on every level of a residence and one detector in each bedroom. Along with having working smoke detectors in the house, it also is important to remember to sleep with the bedroom door closed. Sleeping with bedroom doors closed helps prevent the spread of fire into the bedrooms should anyone experience a fire inside their residence.
Here are some safety tips in regards to smoke detectors to help “Learn the Sound of Fire Safety”
•A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out and call 9-1-1. Stay out!
•A single chirp every 30 to 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 smoke detector must be replaced
•Make sure smoke detectors and CO alarms meet the needs of all members of the family, including those with sensory or physical disabilities
Springfield Township Fire Department, along with the Red Cross, have teamed up to provide community residents smoke detectors free of charge. A representative of the fire department also will assist in the installation of the smoke detector should a resident require assistance. Residents may call 419-865-4136 and select Assistant Chief David Moore for assistance in obtaining free smoke detectors. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit fpw.org.
