Alpha Fire Co. has been working to educate the community about fire safety. As Fire Prevention Week is coming to an end, please take time out to follow the steps below to make your family fire safe. Visit www.fpw.org for more information.

Make the first Saturday of each month “Smoke Alarm Saturday”!

A working smoke alarm will clue you in that there is a fire and you need to escape. Fire moves fast.
You and your family could have only minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.
• Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every
level of the home, including the basement.
• Test all of your smoke alarms by pushing the test button. If it makes a loud beep, beep, beep sound, you
know it’s working. If there is no sound or the sound is low, it’s time to replace the battery.
If the smoke alarm is older than 10 years old, you need to replace the whole unit.
• If your smoke alarm makes a “chirp,” that means it needs a new battery. Change the
battery right away.
• Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the alarm and what to do
when it sounds.

Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year!

Having a home fire escape plan will make sure everyone knows what to do when the
smoke alarm sounds so they can get out safely.
• Draw a map of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.
• Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out.
Make sure they are part of the plan.
• Make sure all escape routes are clear and that doors and windows open easily.
• Pick an outside meeting place (something permanent like a neighbor’s house, a light post,
mailbox, or stop sign) that is a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet.
• Everyone in the home should know the fire department’s emergency number and
how to call once they are safely outside.
• Practice! Practice! Practice! Practice day and nighttime
home fire drills. Share your home escape plans with
overnight guests.

REMEMBER:
When You Hear a Beep, Get On Your Feet!
Get out and stay out. Call 9-1-1 from your outside meeting place.
Hear a Chirp, Make a Change!
A chirping alarm needs attention. Replace the batteries or the entire alarm if
it is older than 10 years old. If you don’t remember how old it is, replace it.