(via FEMA)
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
It’s
that time of year again. As we set our clocks to “fall back” for the end of
Daylight Saving Time yesterday, use this opportunity to also prepare your
home for fire emergencies by changing the batteries in your smoke alarm.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, most alarms need a new battery at
least once a year. In addition, if your smoke alarm
is more than 10 years old, replace it with a new alarm and a new battery.
And
with colder temperatures on the way, you may want to review heating safety
techniques with your family and create a
fire escape plan. Heating equipment is a
leading cause of home fire deaths. Some simple steps can prevent most heating-related
fires from happening. These steps include:
·
Keep anything that can burn at least
three feet away from heating equipment, such as a furnace, fireplace, or
portable heater;
·
Turn portable heaters off when
leaving the room or going to bed; and
·
Have heating equipment and chimneys
cleaned and inspected yearly by a qualified professional.
Making
a fire escape plan and practicing a fire escape drill are important elements of
home fire safety. Start planning today! This toolkit
from the National Fire Protection Agency has everything you
need to get started.
