Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety™
NEW CITY, NY, – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert remind residents to take some time during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire. Data shows that children under five and adults over 65 are at the highest risk for injury or death in a fire; however, fire safety is everyone’s concern.
Every year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a theme for fire prevention week. This year’s theme, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” ™, is to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise, a beeping sound, or a chirping sound, you must take action! Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond,” said Dr. Ruppert.
“In addition to learning the different sounds these life saving devices make, all homes should have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms that are installed properly, tested monthly and replaced if needed,” said Christopher Kear, Director of the Office of Fire and Emergency Services.
The Rockland County Healthy Neighborhoods Program encourages all residents to embrace the 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme and wants to share the following safety tips to help you “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”:
- A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
- A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life, and the unit must be replaced.
- Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
The Healthy Neighborhoods Program (HNP) provides information about fire safety and offers free evaluations to identify and discuss health and safety issues in the home for eligible residents, including low-income residents, seniors, and at-risk families. HNP can also provide and install free smoke alarms, as supplies last to help address these issues. A brief home survey is required. HNP staff wear masks, are fully vaccinated, and adhere to social distancing guidelines during scheduled home visits.
For more information, call the Healthy Neighborhoods Program at 845-364-3290 or 845-364-3292 or visit http://bit.ly/2lJccKu. To learn more about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.fpw.org.