[Durham INC] Durham County Reminds Residents to “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”

[Jones, Henry R.]

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                          Date: 10/01/21
Contact: Public Information Office                      Phone: (919) 560-0000/Fax: (919) 560-0020
E-mail: publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov<mailto:publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov>

Durham County Reminds Residents to “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”
National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9

Durham, N.C. – The Durham County Office of Emergency Services Fire Marshal Division is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign theme of “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” This year’s campaign runs from October 3-9 and works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

Fire Prevention Week<https://www.nfpa.org/FPW> was started by NFPA in 1922 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire that occurred in 1871. It is the longest running public health observance in the country.

Each year, NFPA chooses a theme and this year, the organization aims to educate communities on the different sounds that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms make. Understanding the differences between these and taking appropriate action will help keep you and your family safe.


  *   Smoke Alarms have the continuous pulse of three loud beeps which is an indication of a smoke condition.


  *   Carbon Monoxide Alarms have the continuous pulse of four loud beeps which is an indication of a carbon monoxide condition.

The Durham County Fire Marshal and the Office of Emergency Services encourages all residents to embrace the 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme.

“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!” said Durham County Fire Marshal Jason B. Shepherd.  “Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. To learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box, or search the brand and model online.”

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries should be changed twice a year and checked regularly. When the battery is low on either alarm, they will make a chirp sound every 30-60 seconds. If the chirp continues after battery replacement, the alarm is at the end of its life and needs to be replaced. Smoke alarms have a 10-year life span. CO alarms have an end-of-life sound that varies by manufacturer.

You should have smoke alarms installed in each bedroom and in the area outside of the bedroom. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in any home that utilizes fossil fuels or burns wood. Make sure that your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

It is also vital that you have a home escape plan in the event of an alarm activation.

“Knowing what to do in the event of an alarm activation in your home is just as important as knowing what alarm is activated,” Shepherd said. “I encourage you to take the opportunity with your family to develop a home escape plan. You can find instructions here: Home-Fire-Escape-Grid.pdf (sparkyschoolhouse.org)<https://sparkyschoolhouse.org/app/uploads/2020/10/Home-Fire-Escape-Grid.pdf>.”

For educational resources go to the National Fire Protection Association’s public education website<https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education> and the United States Fire Administration’s fire prevention and public education website<https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/>.

For more information about the Durham County Office of Emergency Services Fire Marshal Division, visit its webpage at https://www.dconc.gov/county-departments/departments-f-z/fire-marshal, or contact Shepherd at 919-201-6638 or email to jshepherd at dconc.gov<mailto:jshepherd at dconc.gov>.

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