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Winter Fire Safety

January 16, 2025
Fire PreventionSafetyInformation
Shannon Halbur

Winter Fire Safety

Keep safe this winter with the following tips from the NFPA (Nation Fire Protection Association):

Heating –

Heating is a leading cause of US home fires and home fire injuries and third leading cause of home fire deaths. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires. Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires.

Carbon Monoxide –

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc. do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of CO. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months, and in residential properties.

Generators –

Portable generators are useful during power outages; however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards.

 

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Generator in snow.

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January 9, 2025
Information
Shannon Halbur

Types of Smoke Alarms – Part 2

Part 2 of the different types of Smoke Alarms from the NFPA.

How are Smoke Alarms Powered?

There are many ways that smoke alarms can get their power.

Replaceable batteries –

Some smoke alarms will get all their power from batteries that are replaceable. They can be a 9v battery, AAA battery, AA battery, or another type of battery. These batteries should be replaced at least once a year, and the alarm tested every month.

10-year battery alarms –

Some smoke alarms come with a sealed, non-replaceable battery that can provide power to the smoke alarm for up to 10 years. This alarm does not require the batteries to be replaced, however, you should still be testing them monthly.

Hardwired with battery backup –

Some smoke alarms are provided with both primary power that is hardwired in from the home’s electrical system and a secondary battery backup. The secondary battery backup can be either a battery that needs to be replaced at least yearly, or it can be a 10-year sealed battery that does not need to be replaced.

How often do I need to replace my smoke alarms?

Smoke alarms must be replaced –

– Every 10 years based on the date of manufacture on the back label (7–10 years for combination CO/smoke alarm)
– If the alarm sounds an end-of-life signal (see back of alarm for description of signal)
– If the alarm fails a monthly test
– After a fire event

 

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

 

Smoke Alarm with 9 volt battery

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