Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke alarm? Do you know what it means?
It’s Fire Prevention Week, and this year’s campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety,” aims to educate us about the different sounds smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Take some time to learn what to do when an alarm sounds to keep you and your family safe. Here are tips from the National Fire Prevention Association:
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.
Knowing what to do during a fire is essential, but it’s also important to take precautions before one occurs. For more information, visit fireprevetionweek.org.