Fire safety

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms play an important role in fire prevention and protect families in the case of fire. The bottom line is smoke alarms can save lives, provided they are installed properly and are in good working order.

• Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.
• Because smoke rises, they should be placed on the ceiling.
• Test your smoke alarms once a month by pushing the alarm button.
• Change the alarm batteries twice a year, in the spring and the fall, when we generally move clocks ahead or back an hour.
• Dust can clog your alarm. Vacuum occasionally with a light bristle brush.
• Alarms are good for 10 years until they need to be replaced.

Carbon monoxide alarms

Carbon monoxide is poisonous gas that has no smell or taste. Installing carbon monoxide alarms will alert homeowners the deadly gas is in the air.

• Install alarms near fuel fired appliances, inside garages and near bedrooms.
• They can be installed at any height.
• Test alarms monthly and change batteries twice a year.
• Replace alarms every seven to 10 years.

Fireworks safety

Fireworks can be dangerous. Anyone using fireworks should take extreme care and follow these safety tips:

• An adult wearing proper eye protection should be responsible for setting off the fireworks
• Purchase your fireworks from a licensed retailer
• Read and follow directions on the label carefully
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks
• Light fireworks one at a time
• Keep water close by
• Discharge fireworks away from buildings, trees, dry grass and power lines
• Dispose of used fireworks properly by soaking in water and then disposing them in a trashcan
• Never give fireworks—or sparklers—to children
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people
• Keep onlookers a safe distance away and upwind from the area where the fireworks are being discharged