NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The 2021 National Fire Protection Association Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” works to educate everyone about the different sounds smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will help keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department would like to remind the public of the importance of fire safety education and proper maintenance of fire safety devices in homes including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
What is the difference between smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms? Why do I need both?
Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. In the event of fire, you may have as little as two minutes to escape safely, which is why smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping areas (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement). Do not put smoke alarms in your kitchen or bathrooms.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that displaces oxygen in your body and brain and can render you unconscious before you even realize something is happening to you. Without vital oxygen, you are at risk of death from carbon monoxide poisoning in a short time. CO alarms detect the presence of carbon monoxide and alert you so you can get out, call 9-1-1, and let the professionals check your home.
How do I know which smoke and CO alarm to choose for my home?
Choose an alarm that is listed with a testing laboratory, meaning it has met certain standards for protection. Whether you select a unit that requires yearly changing of batteries, or a 10-year unit that you change out at the end of the 10 years, either will provide protection.
CO alarms also have a battery backup. Choose one that is listed with a testing laboratory. For the best protection, use combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. These can be installed by a qualified electrician, so that when one sounds, they all sound. This ensures you can hear the alarm no matter where in your home the alarm originates.
What if someone in my home is deaf or hard of hearing?
There are smoke alarms and alert devices that alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarm sounds. Pillow or bed shakers designed to work with your smoke alarm also can be purchased and installed. For more information on this important topic, visit Fire Safety for the deaf or hard of hearing.
Contact Information:
Captain Daniel Bertucelli
Information Officer
Office 805-681-5531
Cell 805-896-6336
News Line 805-681-5546
Email [email protected]
Twitter @SBCFireInfo
All Santa Barbara County Fire Department News Releases are available at www.sbcfire.com
Serving the cities of Buellton, Goleta, and Solvang, and the Communities of Casmalia, Cuyama, Gaviota, Hope Ranch,
Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Mission Canyon, Mission Hills, Orcutt, Santa Maria, Sisquoc, and Vandenberg Village