Fire - News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 2007
CONTACT: Firefighter/PIO Daniel Valenzuela
Glendale Fire Department, (623) 695-7668

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Safety Tips

The tragic beach house fire that left seven dead college students in North Carolina last Sunday must serve as a reminder of some important fire and life safety information. Six students managed to escape the burning two story beach house. The thoughts and prayers of the Glendale Fire Department are with the friends and families of those who were lost in the blaze. Following these tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will add to the safety of your family and home;

Smoke Alarm Safety

• Test your smoke alarms once a month, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm once a year, or as soon as the alarm “chirps” warning that the battery is low.
• Never “borrow” a battery from a smoke alarm.
• Don’t disable smoke alarms even temporarily.
• Consider installing an automatic home fire sprinkler system. Sprinklers and smoke alarms together cut your risk of dying in a home fire 82 percent relative to having neither.
• Smoke alarms don't last forever. Replace yours once every 10 years. If you can't remember how old the alarm is, then it's probably time for a new one.

Home Escape Plans

• Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it twice a year.
• Make arrangements in your plan for anyone in your home who has a disability.
• If your home has two floors, every family member (including children) must be able to escape from the second floor rooms. Escape ladders can be placed in or near windows to provide an additional escape route.