BARRHEAD - A working smoke and carbon monoxide detector could save your life.
And fall is the perfect time to test the devices to ensure they are in good working order.
That is what Barrhead Regional Fire Services chief Gary Hove told the Barrhead Leader as a prelude to Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12. This year's theme is Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You.
"When people think about fire protection and awareness, they often forget about carbon monoxide detectors. They are just as important as smoke detectors," he said.
Hove said this is especially true in the fall when people start their furnaces for the first time in several months as temperatures drop.
"And it is not just people's furnaces," he said. "People also need to check their water tanks. Most of the time, when we get called out to a [carbon monoxide] alarm, the hot water tank is the culprit."
Hove added that as hot water tanks age, it is common for them to get mineral deposits.
"[When this happens] the flame gets more orange instead of that nice white or blue colour, and it is a sign that they may want to have their water tank serviced," he said.
Hove added that people often place carbon monoxide detectors in the basement, as that is where the furnace and hot water tanks are, but it is also a good idea to have additional carbon monoxide detectors outside any sleeping areas.
"That way, if carbon monoxide is entering or building up in your home where you sleep, it will wake you up," he said.
Similarly, for smoke detectors, Hove recommended having a detector inside and outside each bedroom and one in the living space, such as the living room.
He also suggested installing smoke detectors that can be linked via wi-fi.
"That way, when one goes off, they all sound," Hove said.
Hove said that people should replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every 10 years, suggesting that when people purchase a new detector, they write the date of its installation on the device.
For fire extinguishers, the suggested replacement or service interval is 12 years. As for the type of fire extinguisher and placement, Hove suggested placing a 10-pound ABC all-purpose fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen as well as in their shop and garage.
As for natural gas detectors, Hove said while they are a good idea, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are more critical than smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as gas has a pungent odour, and people can quickly identify it.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
