by brian5aca1598e0

Fire Prevention Week

Welcome to our new blog. What better time to start it than during Fire Prevention Week?

This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety” with the exponential increase in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries in our tools, cars, and devices. Ensure you:

  • Buy Listed – Look for UL, CSA, ETL or other testing laboratory labels on every device *and charger* you buy or use
  • Charge Safely – charge tool batteries outside or within view inside, make sure the area is clear and no papers, blankets, or pillows cover the charging device. Look at cords and attachments for any broken jackets or fraying wires.
  • Recycle Responsibly – take expired or worn out batteries to your city hazardous waste or check hardware stores and grocery stores for places to deposit batteries to be recycled and kept out of landfills

National Fire Prevention Day was made official in 1920, then expanded to National Fire Prevention Week in 1925, in line with the day the Great Chicago Fire, which started on Oct. 8, 1871. Recent themes have been “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You,” “Cooking Safety Starts With You,” and “Fire Won’t Wait – Plan Your Escape.”

Regulations for fire safety are constantly evolving to provide peace of mind and create an expectation of fire-safe environments for everyone to enjoy, but an active approach from the public helps to reinforce what we do. Smoke alarms should be checked monthly and replaced every 10 years. Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors should be installed where incomplete combustion of gas could occur, fire extinguishers should be maintained and accessible, and fire alarm systems should be inspected annually. Hotels can provide information on recent inspections, and short-term rentals are either required to share information about safety features (smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguishers) or can provide it when prompted.

This blog will share information on terms, regulations, available products and system options, and the engineering and technician trades for fire safety on a regular basis.

Stay safe, spread awareness, and enjoy National Fire Prevention Week!

Handy Fire Safety Month Links