Fire Prevention Week

10/10/2016 (Permalink)

For over nine decades we, as a nation, have taken part in Fire Prevention Week. This tradition occurs through the week of October 9th, to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire and the commonly forgotten Peshtigo fire of 1871. It's our duty to uphold the efforts of the brave individuals that risked their lives with their acts of heroism during those disasters.  SERVPRO would like to be an active participant in a week dedicated to preventing the start of another infamous blaze.

Every year the National Fire Protection Association creates themes for Fire Prevention Week. Last year was Hear The Beep Where You Sleep. Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!  This year we're observing: "Don't Wait, Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years." As these themes suggest, a simple way to protect you and your family begins with the fire alarm. According to the National Fire Protection Association, survey data shows that the public has many misconceptions about smoke alarms, which can put them at increased risk in the event of a home fire.  In an effort to inform the members of our community, SERVPRO and the National Fire Protection Association are offering several tips and information regarding your smoke detectors:

-Check how many years you've had your smoke alarm for- if it's after 10 years its time for a new one.  If you are not sure how old your smoke alarm is, the date of the manufacture on the back of the alarm will tell you.

-Hardwired smoke alarms operate 94% of the time while battery powered alarms operate 80% of the time. However, if smoke alarms completely fail to operate, it could mean batteries are missing, disconnected or dead.

-As the National Fire Protection Association specifically recommend, an ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, or where extra time is needed to awaken or assist others, both types of alarms, or combination ionization and photoelectric alarms are recommended.

Keep safe this week and every week. SERVPRO will always be there for you.