For over 95 years, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has raised fire safety awareness during Fire Prevention Week, held annually the first week of October. This year's theme, "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety," is especially important as Americans spend more time working, studying, or recreating in their homes.
In support of this vital initiative, Kidde is proud to offer helpful alarm tips and information as part of Carrier's Healthy Homes Program. Kidde is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a foremost global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable, and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.
Awareness and education
On average, most people spend 90% of their time indoors and a typical American spends 65% of their time in the home, which is why Carrier's Healthy Homes Program is critical to raising awareness and education on the subject of indoor air quality, health, and safety in the home. Kidde shares some tips to help families stay safe and have trust in their home safety
According to the NFPA, working smoke alarms help to reduce the risk of home fire deaths by 55%. In fact, a study commissioned by Kidde revealed that working smoke alarms double the chance of successful survival. Once a fire starts, occupants have approximately two minutes to escape, and being familiar with alarm sounds and taking appropriate action is imperative.
Tips to stay safe
To help families stay safe and have confidence in their home safety, Kidde shares the following tips:
Learn the sounds of safety: Alarm sounds can easily be mistaken for nuisance alarms when they may be sending another, more urgent message. Become acquainted with your alarm-specific user guide so you are prepared to act quickly. While alarm codes – chirps and beeps – vary from model to model, a general guide for Kidde alarms is:
- 1 chirp (or beep) + a pause: Indicates a trouble condition. This is often a signal to replace the battery but can also indicate other issues.
- 2 chirps (or beep) + a pause: Is an end-of-life or “replacement” chirp. It’s time to replace the entire alarm, not just the batteries.
- 3 beeps repeating: The alarm senses smoke from a fire. Take emergency action.
- 4 beeps repeating: The alarm senses carbon monoxide present (smoke and CO combination or standalone CO models only). Take emergency action.
Test smoke alarms weekly: A working smoke alarm doubles the chance of successful escape. Test alarms weekly to ensure they're fully operational.
Check coverage areas: The NFPA recommends a minimum of one smoke alarm on every level of your home, one in every bedroom, and one outside sleeping areas such as hallways. For dual protection, consider installing combination alarms that feature both smoke and CO sensors.
Replace smoke alarms after 10 years: Every smoke alarm - hardwired or battery only - needs replacement at 10 years of age. If you do not know the date of installation, a simple workaround is to check the manufacturing date on the back of the alarm and add 10 years.
Escape Plans
"While you're learning the sounds of safety, make sure to practice escape plans. Families should know how to escape the home in case of an emergency,” said Sharon Cooksey, Fire Safety Educator at Kidde. “When escape planning, remember the 2s: Know 2 ways out of every room, practice 2 times per year and 2 times of the day —daytime and nighttime. And don’t forget to include pets too!”
Kidde celebrates the mission of the NFPA in promoting important safety messages.
