|
FIREBREAK
News, safety tips and profiles of firefighters and medics at Girdwood Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Back to Main News page » Smoke Alarms, Deep Fried Turkeys and Open House Thanksgiving Dinner November 17, 2008 With the holidays just around the corner, your local fire department would like to remind you that a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are a very important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal -- so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home. We suggest installing smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level - about two feet from the tallest point in your ceiling - will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Many hardware, home supply, or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. Girdwood Fire Department also has smoke alarms for those that can't afford one. Call us at 783-2511 or stop by to pick one up! Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day. If your smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise, replace the batteries and reset it. What if the alarm goes off while you are cooking your Thanksgiving turkey? Then it's doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may need to be moved to a new location. Some of the newer models have a "hush" button that silences nuisance alarms. Most alarms installed today have a life span of about 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. It is a good idea to write the date of purchase with a marker on the inside of your alarm so you will know when to replace it. Some of the newer alarms already have the purchase date written inside. In any event, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement. Open House Thanksgiving Dinner on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 7pm Please join your local firefighters for a Thanksgiving Dinner at the fire station. We are located next to the Community Library on Egloff Drive. Bring a dish, or just bring yourself. No alcohol permitted. Call the fire department for details at 783-2511. Important Safety Reminder for Deep-Frying Turkeys
|