1) How
often should I check my smoke detectors?
Smoke
detectors should be checked monthly
2) Do
I need to clean my smoke detector?
Smoke
detectors should be cleaned once or twice per year. You can do
this with the brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner. NOTE: The
detector may sound when you are cleaning it.
3)
Do my smoke detectors ever need to be replaced?
Smoke
detectors have a normal life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. If
you are getting false trips from your detector, it may need to
be replaced. When having problems with your detector, always remember
to check the battery.
4) My
smoke detector light is glowing, do I still need to test it?
Electric
smoke detectors still need to be tested monthly. Testing the smoke
detector can be a great time for your family to test your fire
escape plan!
5) Should
I clean the chimney in my wood burning fireplace or wood stove
to help prevent chimney fires?
Yes.
Professional chimney sweeps tell us that chimneys should be clean
when the creosote has built up to 1/8" to 1/4". This
will help prevent chimney fires. REMEMBER: The fireplace or wood
stove is not an incinerator. Do not burn trash or large amounts
of paper (especially gift-wrap). The tempertatures this can produce
can damage your fireplace or chimney.
6) When
I clean the ash from my fireplace, is it necessary to put them
in a metal container?
YES!
The Fire Department responds to 2 to 4 house fires EVERY YEAR
because a homeowner has cleaned their fireplace or wood stove
and placed the ashes in a paper bag. Ashes can stay hot enough
to start a fire for up to seven days. To be safe: place your ashes
in a metal container and leave them outside until you know they
are cold ( at least seven days). If you dispose of the ashes in
the trash, put them in the trash only after the seven days and
then only when your can has been moved to the curb for pickup.
7) When
doing home refinishing projects, where should rags used for staining
be disposed of?
There
are some stains that are capable of creating enough heat to start
a fire as they dry (check the label). This is commonly known as
spontaneous combustion. Rags should be laid flat or hung to air
dry. They can then be disposed of when completely dry.
8) What
is the best way to display my address numbers?
Address
numbers are very important to emergency responders. Having address
numbers visible is not only required, but will help emergency
personnel (fire, ambulance, or police) find your house. The numbers
should be reflective or a color that contrasts with the house.
The should be near a light to help make them visible. Don't place
them on the garage door as the door may be raised when the numbers
are needed. You should check that the numbers are visible from
the street.
9)
When can electric extension cords replace permanent wiring?
Extension
cords can only be used with portable appliances. They can't be
used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
10) What
appliances can produce carbon monxide (CO) and how often should
they be checked?
Carbon
monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced
by improperly operating fuel burning appliances (natural gas,
LP gas, fuel oil, kerosene, wood). CO can be deadly! All fuel
burning appliances (such as furnaces and water heaters) should
be serviced yearly. Every dwelling unit should have a carbon monoxide
detector. For more information on CO, click
here.
If you
have any questions for the Fire Department, please let us know.
Others may have the same questions and we can all learn from the
answers. The Plover Fire Department can be reached at (715) 345-5310.
