Grayson Fire Department * 316 East 3rd Street * Grayson, KY 41143

 

SMOKE ALARM FACTS

 

Install
The Grayson Fire Department recommends that you install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement. Even better is one in every bedroom. Smoke alarms are designed to wake you up if a fire starts while you are sleeping. Be sure your smoke alarms are near bedrooms and other sleeping areas in your home.

Test
When was the last time you heard your smoke alarm? Battery-operated alarms should be tested once a month to make certain they are working.

Change
Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm twice a year. The Grayson Fire Department recommends you do this when we change our clocks for Daylight Savings Time each Spring and Fall. Install a new battery immediately if an alarm “chirps” to indicate a low battery.

Note: A ten-year lithium battery smoke alarm does not need to have its battery changed. Replace smoke alarms that use extended-life, lithium batteries when the alarm “chirps” or fails to respond to periodic testing. The batteries in these units cannot be replaced.

False Alarms
Use the hush button to silence a false alarm. Never disconnect or remove the battery. If your smoke alarm does not have a hush button use a magazine or kitchen towel to wave fresh air into the detection unit

Replace
Replace your smoke alarm every ten years. After ten years, your smoke detector will have been working consecutively for 87,000 hours. No other appliance in your home works this long. If you do not know how old your smoke alarm is, or if it is ten years or older, replace it as soon as possible.

 

 

Take a moment and place a checkmark next to each of the sentences that are true in your home.

 

Heating

 

Baseboard heaters do not touch any furniture or curtains, or other items stored on the floor.

You have your chimneys and heating systems inspected, cleaned and repaired prior to the heating season.

All portable heaters are placed at least three feet from bedding, furniture, and other flammable materials. They are plugged directly in the wall, not into an extension cord.

Portable heaters are turned off when you leave the room or before going to bed.

Every fireplace is equipped with a sturdy metal screen.

 

Electrical

 

You use as few extension cords and plug adapters as possible.

Extension cords used are not tacked to walls, run under rugs, or through doorways.

Small appliances, like the toaster, are unplugged when not in use.

 

Housekeeping

 

Matches and lighters are kept out of the reach of children in a secure place.

Paint, varnish, and other flammables are stored in sturdy metal containers and in a cool place.

Ashes from fireplaces and barbecues are only disposed of in metal containers.

Candles are only lit when someone is able to keep an eye on them, and when placed in sturdy holders away from things that can burn.

 

Kitchen

 

In the event of a grease fire, you know that the best thing to do is to put a lid on it.

Cooking is never left unattended.

The oven is never used to heat the home.

 

Smoking

 

House rules include not smoking in bed or while lying down.

 

Smoke Alarms

 

Smoke alarms are installed on a ceiling or high on the wall outside of the bedrooms on each level of the home and in every bedroom.

Smoke alarm batteries are changed twice a year.

Smoke alarms are tested and vacuumed regularly.

 

Escape Plan

 

You have a plan of escape showing two ways out of every room in your home, especially bedrooms.

You regularly practice your escape plan by holding fire drills in your home.

Windows used for escaping can be opened easily.

Your house numbers are clearly visible from the street.

 

The items that you did not checkmark may put you at a higher risk from a fire.

Kitchen Caution

· Don't leave food unattended on the stove. If you must leave the kitchen, take a wooden spoon or potholder as a reminder.

 

· Wear short or close fitting sleeves and an apron to avoid catching clothes on fire.

 

· When cooking, keep a pot lid close by. In case of a pan fire, use the lid to smother the fire.

 

· Clean the stove and toaster regularly to avoid grease and crumb buildup.

 

· Use potholders, not towels, to handle hot pans and dishes.

 

· Don’t use the oven to heat your home.

 

Heating Hazards

· Keep everything at least one foot from any heat source.

 

· Unplug electrical appliances and heaters when not using them.

 

· Never hang clothes near a heater to dry them.

 

· Don't leave portable heaters alone or go to sleep while they are on.

 

· Make sure curtains hang well away from heat sources.

 

Safe Smoking

· Never smoke in bed or while lying on the couch. Smoke only when alert— never when tired or drowsy.

 

· Use a large, sturdy ashtray or purchase a special "safety ashtray".

 

· After using an ashtray, leave it on the kitchen counter or in the sink overnight before emptying.

 

· Always empty ashtrays into a non-burnable container, such as a metal garbage can.

 

At Bed Time

· Keep your robe, slippers, eyeglasses and house keys close by the bed.

 

· Check to be sure that any space heaters are turned off and heat is turned down.

 

· Close your bedroom door while sleeping.

 

Be Prepared

· Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.

 

· Check smoke alarms monthly.

 

· Plan your escape routes (two from every room, if possible) in case a fire does strike. Locate two exit stairways from your apartment building. Never use elevators in a fire.

 

Calling 9•1•1

· Place a 9•1•1 sticker on your phone so that you will always have the number at your fingertips during an emergency.

 

· Call 9•1•1 from a safe location for any fire, medical or police emergency.