JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Are you aware that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make different sounds? From Oct. 3 to 9, Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s Fire Prevention Office will promote Fire Prevention Week with a focus on “Learning the Sounds of Fire Safety.”
Alarms should be tested monthly using the test button located on both devices. If the alarm does not activate when tested, there are a couple possible reasons.
Lack of power is the number one cause of alarms failing. Check the light inside the device, and change the batteries at least once a year.
Secondly, determine the age of the alarm. The National Fire Protection Association, along with many other manufacturers, recommends replacing alarms every 10 years.
It is important that families have a clear evacuation plan -- one that everyone understands.
The National Fire Protection Association has provided the following tips on creating the best evacuation plan:
- Start by evaluating every room
- Look for two ways out: primary and secondary routes
- Test your plan; make sure both routes work safely for all family members
Families with children should consider drawing a floor plan of the home and marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.
Virtual training is available on the JBLM Fire and Emergency Services’ Facebook page. During Fire Prevention Week, representatives will be on site at both the Lewis Main and McChord Field Exchange locations to help with testing alarms and setting up evacuation plans.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week at JBLM, call the Fire Prevention Office at 253-966-7156.
For more JBLM News, click here.
Social Sharing