Several events are planned this week in conjunction with “Fire Prevention Week” — with a continued focus geared toward smoke alarm maintenance and replacement, Bartlesville Fire Department officials said recently.
A recent survey conducted by National Fire Prevention Association indicates only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are or how often they need to be replaced. That lack of awareness is a concern for BFD Public Information Officer Bill Hollander, who says smoke alarm batteries should be changed regularly and alarms should be replaced entirely every 10 years.
“Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” said Hollander. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Bartlesville residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”
National fire alarm code requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk, Hollander said.
“Nationally, the focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is smoke alarm replacement, with the ‘Don’t Wait, Check the Date’ campaign,” Hollander said. “The purpose is to educate the public about the critical importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10 years old.”
To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked, Hollander said.
“The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date — not the date of purchase,” he said. “Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.”
Hollander also stressed the importance of having a home exit plan and to drill on it.
“The acronym E.D.I.T.H. stands for Exit Drill In The Home,” he said. “It’s extremely important that everyone know two ways to escape any room in their home and to have a drill with family members on it. A central meeting location should be established in front of the home where everybody knows to meet after they’ve gotten out.”
The Bartlesville Fire Department is hosting area students at the fire stations next week in an effort to raise fire prevention awareness.
“We normally have a smoke trailer set up for the kids to go through but health issues with the operator have forced us to re-schedule the smoke trailer until spring,” said Hollander.
“We invite anyone to stop by a fire station next week to learn what they can do to help prevent fires in their homes and businesses.”
While next week allows a special focus on fire prevention nationwide, BFD is happy to answer questions or provide information anytime, Hollander said.
“We have information on the City’s website about fire prevention and we’re available and willing to help or answer questions anytime,” he said.
For more information about fire prevention, smoke alarms or fire station locations, see https://www.cityofbartlesville.org/public-safety/fire-department/ or call 918-338-4098.