By Gina Cali, Santa Clara Fire Department
July 2023 | 2023 Summer Newsletter
With proper preparedness, you can help keep you and your loved ones safe from fire. Two easy steps to follow include installing and maintaining smoke alarms and creating and practicing a home fire escape plan.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the chance of surviving a fire increase by 50% with working smoke alarms that give you the early warning needed to escape safely.
Maintain Smoke Alarms
- Install 10-year lithium battery operated alarms or hardwired alarms with lithium battery-backup inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, follow manufacturer instructions
- Only install smoke alarms that are Underwriter Laboratories tested, indicated on the packaging
- Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound
- People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can install special alarms that may include strobe lights and bed shakers
- Test alarms monthly and, for hard-to-reach units, use a broom handle to press the test button. If the low battery signal chirps, replace the battery or entire unit immediately
- Replace all smoke alarms every 8 to 10 years
Plan Escape Routes
- Gather your household and create an escape plan which includes identifying all exits and escape routes in the home
- Choose a place outside (i.e., neighbor’s house, a light post, mailbox, etc.), a safe distance in front of the home, where everyone will meet after they have escaped
- Ensure escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily. Closed doors will slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire, so sleep with doors closed. When escaping, crawl low under the smoke to an exit and head directly to the meeting place
- Call 9-1-1. Once you are out, stay out! Never re-enter a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the dispatcher and fire department immediately
- If household members have mobility limitations, assign someone to assist them during an emergency
For more fire safety tips and information, visit the education and preparedness safety information & referral assistance home fire safety page on sccfd.org.
For assistance with installing smoke alarms, request referrals from Sourcewise’s Information & Awareness program by calling (408) 350-3200, option 1.
With proper preparedness, you can help keep you and your loved ones safe from fire. Two easy steps to follow include installing and maintaining smoke alarms and creating and practicing a home fire escape plan.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the chance of surviving a fire increase by 50% with working smoke alarms that give you the early warning needed to escape safely.
Maintain Smoke Alarms
- Install 10-year lithium battery operated alarms or hardwired alarms with lithium battery-backup inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, follow manufacturer instructions
- Only install smoke alarms that are Underwriter Laboratories tested, indicated on the packaging
- Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound
- People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can install special alarms that may include strobe lights and bed shakers
- Test alarms monthly and, for hard-to-reach units, use a broom handle to press the test button. If the low battery signal chirps, replace the battery or entire unit immediately
- Replace all smoke alarms every 8 to 10 years
Plan Escape Routes
- Gather your household and create an escape plan which includes identifying all exits and escape routes in the home
- Choose a place outside (i.e., neighbor’s house, a light post, mailbox, etc.), a safe distance in front of the home, where everyone will meet after they have escaped
- Ensure escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily. Closed doors will slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire, so sleep with doors closed. When escaping, crawl low under the smoke to an exit and head directly to the meeting place
- Call 9-1-1. Once you are out, stay out! Never re-enter a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the dispatcher and fire department immediately
- If household members have mobility limitations, assign someone to assist them during an emergency
For more fire safety tips and information, visit the education and preparedness safety information & referral assistance home fire safety page on sccfd.org.
For assistance with installing smoke alarms, request referrals from Sourcewise’s Information & Awareness program by calling (408) 350-3200, option 1.