Union Fire Company Smoke Detector Program

Union Fire Company is here to keep you and your loved ones safe! Dont forget to check your smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning properly! They could save your life! Here is some important information about your smoke detectors and how they should work.

A smoke detector is a device that detects smoke, typically as an indicator of fire.

You should NEVER take the batteries out of a smoke detector unless they need to be replaced.

The NFPA strongly recommends the replacement of home smoke alarms every 10 years. Smoke alarms become less reliable with time, primarily due to aging of their electronic components, making them susceptible to nuisance false alarms.

When installing smoke detectors remember these key points:

•  Place smoke detectors near bedrooms and on every floor.
• Test the batteries monthly.
• Keep smoke detectors away from air vents.
• Place smoke detectors at least 4 to 6 inches away from wall and corners.

If you test your smoke detector and you notice it is not working or if you have any questions regarding a smoke detector or installation please call Union Fire Company at 215-639-2988.

Smoke Alarms: Your First Line Of Defense

Smoke alarms help save live, but only if they contain a working battery!

Did you know:

• If every home had working smoke alarms, almost 900 loves could be saved each year.
  
• The presence and proper maintenance of smoke alarms increase your chances of surviving a fire by 50%
  
• Most people die in a fire in the fire 5 minutes
  
• You can't smell smoke when you're sleeping. If anything, smoke will put you into a deeper sleep.
  
• In a fire, heat at the floor is 90 degrees F, at the head height the temperature is 600 degrees F, and at the ceiling the temperature is 800 degrees F. Heat at 150 degrees F will render you unconscious and kill you.
  
• A fire burning in a house for 1 minute grows to 3 times its original size; 11 times by 4 minutes, and at 6 minutes, it reaches 50 times its original size.
  

How to keep your smoke alarm working

• Test all smoke alarms once a month by briefly pressing the test button
  
• Hard wired smoke alarms with battery back-up still need to be tested monthly
  
• Never remove working smoke alarm batteries for ANY reason, such as child's toy, ect.
  
• Keep your smoke alarm free of dust and debris
  
• Keep spare batteries on hand
  
• If your smoke alarm starts to "chirp", the batteries are low. Promptly replace the batteries and reset the alarm
  
• Replace batteries in all your smoke alarms 1-2 times a year. A good rule of thumb is change your clock, change your smoke alarm batteries.
  

Don't gamble with your family or their lives!

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including basement and all sleeping areas.
  
• Most smoke alarms need to be replaced every 8-10 years, even those that are hard wired with battery backup. You may want to note the purchase date on the inside of your alarm so you know when to replace them.
  
• If your smoke alarm goes off while you are cooking-DO NOT DISABLE IT! Some smoke alarms have a "hush" button, but if it does not, wave a towel near the alarm to clean the air.
  
• Make sure all household members know the sound of a smoke alarm. If children are not awakened by the sound, establish a plan for waking them in case of fire.
  

Ten Tips On How And When To Use A Fire Extinguisher

10 important rules to remember about how and when to use a fire extinguisher

1. Most fires start small. If the fire is contained to a single object, such as a trash can, you may want to try a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Remember, you only have seconds- a fire burning for just 1 minute will have tripled its original size.
   
2. You should only consider a fire extinguisher if all members of your home have been alerted to the fire and the fire department has been called. Also, make sure you are safe from smoke and that the fire is not between you and your only escape route
   
3. When purchasing a fire extinguisher, look for one that is tested by an independent testing laboratory. Also, look for one labeled A-B-C as it can be used on most fires that would occur in your home. You want to be sure that the type of fire extinguisher you wuold be using would be effective in putting out the fire.
   
4. Make sure you are physically able to handle the fire extinguisher. Some models are heavy and may be hard to operate and hold at the same time.
   
5. Know how to operate the extinguisher quickly. You will not have the time to read instructions during an emergency.
   
6. Keep your fire extinguisher in an easily accessible area. Make sure it is not blocked by anything that would keep you from grabbing it quickly in an emergency.
   
7. Remember the word P.A.S.S. Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
   
8. If your means of escape becomes compromised at any time while using the extinguisher, get out of the house as fast as possible and wait for the fire department.
   
9. If you have any doubt about whether or not to fight a fire with an extinguisher, DON'T! Get out and stay out.
   
10. Ask your fire department about information on fire extinguisher training in your area. Many departments offer training sessions to the public.
    

P.A.S.S

• Pull the pin. Some extinguishers require unlocking a latch, pressing a puncture lever, or other such motion.
  
• Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
  
• Squeeze the handle. This releases the extinguishing agent.
  
• Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the fire area in case the fire breaks out again, and repeat use of the extinguisher if necessary.
  

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an invisible, orderless gas that comes from burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, oil and methane. When these fuels burn incompletely, CO is produced. Home heating and cooking appliances can produce CO if damaged or misused. Vehicles such as cars, trucks, tractors and lawn mowers are also a source of CO. Any motor allowed to run indoors can produce dangerous levels of CO.

What are Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Carbon Monoxide detectors measure the amount of CO gas present in the air, over time. Current CO detectors are made to sound an alarm at the lowest level of CO poisoning. The sensitivity may cause the alarm to sound before the symptoms appear. It is important to treat all alarms seriously and have the cause of any alarm determined to be sure your home is safe.

CO Detectors in Your Home

• Only purchase CO detector units that have been tested by at least one qualified testing laboratory.
  
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use in your home.
  
• Install at least one CO detector in your home, near sleeping areas. Make sure its a warning signal is clearly audible.
  
• Test your CO detector once a month, along with your smoke alarm.
  
• Replace CO detectors every 2 years, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
  
• Plan and practice a home evacuation plan with all members of your family in case of an emergency.
  

Protect Your Loved Ones from CO Poisoning

• Do not run motors indoors, even if the garage doors are open. This includes gas powered generators.
  
• Have your vehicles inspected for exhaust leaks.
  
• Have a qualified professional inspect, and if necessary repair, all chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves, ect. each year before the onset of cold weather.
  
• Make sure heating equipment has an adequate supple of fresh air for combustion. Never use oven heat in your home.
  
• Open chimney flue when using the fireplace to ensure adequate ventilation.
  
• Always refuel kerosene heaters outdoors and after heater has cooled sufficiently. KEROSENE HEATERS ARE ILLEGAL IN MAY AREAS. CHECK WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES BEFORE PURCHASING ONE.
  
• Gas and charcoal barbecue grills can produce CO. Never use them indoors or in the garage, even if the garage doors are open.
  
• When camping, use battery-powered heaters and lights in tents, trailers, and mobile homes
  
• REMEMBER: Carbon Monoxide detectors are required in all recreational vehicles.
  

What Should I Do If My CO Detector Alarm Goes Off?

• Make sure no one is experiencing any signs of CO poisoning.
  
• If symptoms of CO poisoning are present, everyone should exit the building leaving doors open as you go.
  
• GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL HELP!
  
• Use a neighbors phone to report the alarm and follow the instructions you are given.
  
• If symptoms of CO poisoning are not present, shut down heating and cooking equipment.
  
• Call a qualified technician to inspect and service your equipment.
  
• Be on the look out for symptoms of CO poisoning.
  

Remember... Carbon Monoxide Detectors ARE NOT smoke alarms.