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Sanibel district promotes safety for Fire Prevention Week

By SFD - | Sep 24, 2021

The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District is working with the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, which runs from Oct. 3 through Oct. 9.

Themed “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” for this year, the campaign helps to educate the public about the different sounds that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make.

“Sanibel Island is home to many visitors and seasonal residents,” Fire Marshal Larry Williams said. “As we come into season, we want our year-round and seasonal residents to take a minute and check their carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.”

“We never expect the worst but planning for the worst could help save your life,” he added.

The fire district reported that most consumers are unaware that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have a life span. It is recommended to change a smoke alarm every 10 years, and a carbon monoxide alarm should be replaced every five to seven years. Prior to replacement, alarms may make various sounds and knowing the difference in the sounds could save you, your home and your family.

The NFPA shared the following safety tips for the public:

– A continuous set of three loud beeps — beep, beep, beep — means smoke or fire. You should evacuate the structure and call 911. Remain outside until advised otherwise.

– A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.

– 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.

For those with hearing impairments who may not be able to hear a conventional smoke alarm, there is the Safe Awake device. It works with an existing smoke alarm and when the smoke alarm sounds, it activates three indicators, including:

– Vibrating bed shaker: This sends an intermittent tactile signal to a bed shaker located between the mattress and bed springs at chest height to ensure sleeping individuals will awake to the emergency.

– Low frequency sounder: The alarm aid emits a low frequency (520 Hz), high decibel, square wave sounding alarm. This allows those who are deaf or have varying levels of hearing loss a greater chance at hearing the alarm.

– Flashing light: Once an individual has awoken to the emergency, they can visually see the bright flashing of the alarm.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.