Fire prevention and Bells Across America

Itís that time of year when the leaves begin to change colors, a tsunami of pumpkin-flavored everything hits store shelves and weekend tasks start to include preparations for winter. Much like the commercial that asks, ìWhatís in your wallet?,î Falcon Fire Protection District firefighters want to know, ìWhatís on your fall chore list?îSmoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm maintenance should be at the top of everyoneís to-do list. Time and again, FFPD and National Fire Protection Association statistics prove these devices save lives by alerting residents to dangerous situations in their homes. Yet, every year, Falcon firefighters respond to dozens of alarm sounding calls caused by low batteries and outdated alarm units. When alarms are old or low on juice, they wonít sound when needed.Here is a quick smoke and carbon monoxide alarm checklist.

• For monitored alarm systems, notify the alarm company prior to cleaning or doing maintenance on units connected to the fire alarm system.
• Remove each unit from its bracket by gently twisting it.
• Check the label on the back to see when the alarm was manufactured and if the manufacturer recommends a replacement date. Replace any smoke alarm older than 10 years or CO alarm older than seven years.
• Labels on newer alarms describe the different signals they emit for low battery, end-of-service life or actual alarm. Take a moment to review this information, and share it with family members.
• Change the batteries in alarms that are not equipped with non-replaceable 10-year batteries. Alarm labels should have a recommendation for battery brand and type.
• Remove dust and dirt from the case.
• Push the ìTestî button to ensure the alarm operates properly.
• Reinstall the unit on its bracket.

This is also a good time to make sure there are enough alarms in the home.

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area.

There is much more information about smoke and CO alarms on the FFPD website: http://falconfirepd.org. Click on the ìFire & Home Safetyî link under Community Resources.Fire Prevention Week: Oct. 9-15This yearís Fire Prevention Week campaign is ìDonít Wait ñ Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.î National Fire Protection Association surveys show that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced (every 10 years). Donít wait ñ check smoke alarm dates today!Bells Across America for Fallen FirefightersFalcon Fire Department chaplains Mike Collins and Dick Glasgow are heading up this yearís Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters event Oct. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Security, Colorado. The Honor Roll Call ceremony for fire department members who have answered ìthe last alarmî will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the ringing of the bells will commence at noon. There will be displays of fire and EMS equipment and other activities. Food and drinks will also be available.Traditionally, the passing of a firefighter is marked by the sounding of a bell. This event, which is part of the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, honors career and volunteer firefighters who died in the line of duty. Bells Across America events similar to this one will take place in communities across the country.This is the second year for this memorial to be held in the Pikes Peak region.