Fire Safety

Bureau of Fire Prevention
Public Service Announcement

SMOKE ALARMS

Fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters combined. Every year more than 5,000 die in fires and over 25,000 are injured. Property loss is estimated at over nine billion dollars.

The more information you have, the better your chances are of surviving the fire incident. Eight percent of fires occur in the home. In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke detectors will provide an early warning signal in your home giving you a chance to escape. Smoke detectors can save your life and those living within your home.

How to buy a smoke alarm:

• Average cost $25 to $40 per alarm
• Be sure the detector has an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) symbol or a Factory Mutual (FM) seal of approval on it
• Be sure the unit works for both photoelectric and dionization detection
• Many now have 10 year battery that does not need to be changed

Installation:

• Follow manufacturer's instructions exactly in, or on the box.
• Some detectors can be hard wired into the electrical system of the home. These alarms also have a battery backup
• You should have at least one detector per floor, in hallway near sleeping areas and in all bedrooms

Maintenance:

• Your alarm can be vacuumed out if there is any dust or cobweb build-up
• Change your battery when it's time to adjust your clocks for daylight savings (if necessary)

Your alarm is an early warning device. In association with a sound and practiced escape plan, you greatly increase your chances of survival during a structure fire.

Contact Captain Curt Mahoney at Curt.Mahoney@redondo.org or (310) 318-0663 ext. 3576, Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for more information on smoke or carbon monoxide alarms for any questions regarding fire safety.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. You cannot smell it, so to detect it use a carbon monoxide alarm for early alert. One can buy a combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarm also. Carbon monoxide alarms should be on every level of the home, in homes with fossil fuel appliances or attached garages. Install per manufacturer's instructions.