Be Safe...Replace!^TM
- New technology in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms -
by MBFPD Lieutenant Mike Hacker

Smoke Alarms:
Residential smoke alarms should be replaced after ten years, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). It is estimated that more than one third of the country’s smoke alarms are past their recommended life span.

Residential smoke alarms have a ten year life span and must be replaced. After ten years, smoke alarms can accumulate significant levels of dust, dirt or other air-borne impurities that can affect the sensors. A smoke alarm works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That’s more than 87,000 hours over ten years. It makes sense to be safe and replace your smoke alarm regularly, just as you would any other household appliance - especially one that could save your life.

The ten year replacement point is a good opportunity to upgrade your smoke alarm. Ten years ago there wasn’t the variety of options and product improvements in smoke alarms that are now available. A few of these new features include:

Silencer Feature: this feature quiets the alarm for three minutes, then returns to normal operation. There is no need to remove the batteries if dinner is a little too "well done!"

Escape Light Feature: when the alarm sounds, this light shines to help you find your way to safety. It’s ideal for hallways and stairways.

Remote Flashlight Test: the smoke alarm can be tested by shining a flashlight on the sensor. This is especially convenient if your alarm is mounted in stairwells or on a high ceiling.

Two Sensor Feature: these include an ionization and a photoelectric sensor. Combining both sensors in one unit offers the maximum level of protection.

For existing homes, the NFPA recommends placing smoke alarms in each bedroom, the hallway outside the bedrooms, and on each level of the home (new homes are required to have alarms in these areas). Maintaining those alarms is also critical. Alarms should be cleaned and tested regularly, batteries need to be replaced annually, and the smoke alarm itself should be replaced every ten years. The District does have lithium battery smoke alarms available, for a donation of $12.00.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms:
The IAFC recommends that every home have at lease one CO alarm on every level of your home, with an audible alarm that can be heard from every room of the house.

Some common facts about carbon monoxide poisoning include:

A variety of CO alarms are available, including:

Think Safety:
Never ignore an alarm; if it sounds, there’s a reason. Take time to review your safety plans with your family NOW! Make sure everyone knows what to do if an alarm sounds.

Remember: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms save lives, they are a small investment to make for your family’s safety.

Heating Your House Safely
By MBFPD Engineer Karl Wallischeck 

Winter temperatures have arrived and the heating systems of our homes are headed into the season of highest use. When was the last time yours was serviced or inspected? Since all types of heating systems produce heat, their proper function is critical in the fire safety of your home. This article will briefly describe what you, the homeowner or renter, should be aware of when checking your heating system for the coming winter.

Electric Baseboard and Portable Electric Heaters
These are the simplest in terms of maintenance. Inspect cords, safety features (such as automatic shut-off when tipped or overheated), and cleanliness of the elements. Be sure to provide adequate clearance, as specified, from combustible objects (drapes, beds, etc.).

Gas Heaters
These include centralized forced air systems, wall heaters, and gas stoves. These systems are best left to an authorized service person to inspect and clean. As a homeowner or renter, the following basic inspections can easily be done on most systems:

Contact an authorized gas appliance service person if you find anything you feel might be a problem.

If a gas odor is detected, call 9-1-1 and leave the residence immediately. Do not turn on any potential ignition sources (open flame, or anything electric- even lights).
Let the fire department and gas company deal with locating and fixing the problem.

Carbon monoxide is the product of incomplete combustion. A properly installed and maintained gas heater should not allow any of this gas into your house. The best defense is a detector, properly placed and maintained. Since carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and often slow to produce symptoms of poisoning at low concentrations (often blamed on something else), get a detector - it is the safest way to alert you to this deadly, poisonous gas. (See "Be Safe...Replace"^TM article)

Wood Heating Systems
Fireplaces and wood stoves need to be cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Residues, such as creosote, can accumulate in chimneys and flues. If ignited they can burn extremely hot, often beyond the capacity of your system to contain. Things to look for include: creosote residue running from joints in the pipes (also indicates improper installation), poor draw and drafting (reverse flow, poor combustion/performance), damaged or clogged chimney caps, broken/missing chimney tiles, damaged pipes or flues.

In the event of a chimney fire, shut down the damper/intake, and call 9-1-1 immediately. Leave the residence if there is any indication of fire spread outside of the system.
Carbon monoxide leaking from the system is also a potential problem with a wood heating system, and a functioning detector should be present with any wood heating system.

Kerosene, propane and alternative fuel heaters are typically not safe to use in unventilated areas for any length of time. Each year, people die from the carbon monoxide byproducts of these types of heaters.

These basic inspection and maintenance tips are just that - basic. Contact us at Meeks Bay Fire Protection District if you have any questions about your heating system. If we do not know the answer, hopefully we can direct you to a specialist in the service industry that does.