2010 Fire Prevention Week Theme: Smoke Alarms: A sound you can live with
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Smoke alarms play a vital role in day to day fire safety for all of the Air Force Global Strike command fighting force. That is why it is so important to insure proper operation of these devices by conducting monthly tests and checking batteries.
The Malmstrom Fire Emergency Services is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association for Fire Prevention Week 2010 - Oct. 3-9 - to urge Malmstrom residents to remember "Smoke Alarms: A sound you can live with." This year's campaign focuses on proper smoke detection and testing of smoke alarms. Additionally, fire safety educators will be teaching local residents how to plan and practice escape from a home in case a fire occurs.
Keep smoke alarms working properly
Test smoke alarms at least once a month by using the alarms' "test button." Never use an open-flame device to test the alarm as you could burn yourself or start a fire. If the smoke alarm manufacturer's instructions permit the use of an aerosol smoke product for testing the smoke alarm, only use one that has been listed by a third-party product testing agency, and use it in accordance with the product instructions.
If the smoke detector is equipped with batteries, replace the batteries once a year, or as soon as the alarm "chirps," warning the battery is low. Helpful hint: schedule battery replacements for the same day you change your clock from daylight to standard time in the fall.
- Regularly vacuuming or dusting the smoke alarm following manufacturer's instructions can help keep it working properly.
- Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.
- Never "borrow" a battery from a smoke alarm.(if equipped)
- Make sure everyone in the home can hear and recognize the sound of the alarm and knows how to react immediately.
- Never remove or disable smoke alarms.
Keep in mind that Military Family Housing Smoke Detectors are A/C (electrical) power mostly. There are some with battery back-up. When the battery gets low, the smoke detector battery beeps and is telling the occupant the battery requires replacement. Don't ignore it. Take the time to check it. Tt It may save you or your family's life.
Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country. For 85 years, fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.
Schedule of Events:
Oct. 3: Children can get a ride on the fire truck from 1 - 5 p.m. at the base Fire Station, Bldg. 349.
Oct. 5: Sparky and a fire truck will visit the base library at 10 a.m. during children's story hour.
Oct. 5: Emergency auto extrication demonstration at 6 p.m. at the base Fire Station
Oct. 6: A fire education display will be set up at the commissary.
Oct. 7: A fire education display will be set up at the exchange.
Oct. 9: Fire Truck Display at the exchange in the parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oct. 9: Fire truck parade through the housing area at 2:15 p.m.