Yesterday, Wisc. Gov. Jim Doyle signed a law which builds on WI’s existing CO law by requiring owners to install a CO detector in the basement of the dwelling and on each floor level. The law takes effect on Feb. 1, 2011.
Helpful Information
Legislative Update
Thursday, March 11th, 2010When You Buy New Smoke Alarms
Wednesday, March 3rd, 20101) Get enough to cover every level of your home and every bedroom.
2) If you can, get “interconnected” smoke alarms. When one alarm goes off, they all sound. This means the alarm near you will go off sooner. It gives you more time to get your family outside to safety.
3) There are two kinds of smoke alarms – photoelectric and ionization. If possible, get some of each kind or buy “combination” smoke alarms that have both types of sensors.
4) Make sure your smoke alarms have been tested for safety by a laboratory. Look for a mark on the box such as ETL, UL or CSA.
Video: Carbon Monoxide Alarm Safety Laws
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010Fire Safety Tips
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.
• If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL for help.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test them every month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
How to help prevent scald burns
Monday, February 1st, 2010• Never leave a young child unattended in the bathroom or tub.
• Lower your water heaters to 120 degrees.
• Before placing a child into the bath, test the temperature of the water by moving your hand rapidly through the water for several seconds. If the water feels hot, add cold water until the temperature feels comfortable. The temperature should not exceed 100F.
• Create a “safe zone” around the stove and oven and hot grills, with about a five-foot perimeter. Children must stay outside of this zone. Check their location before moving any hot liquids.
• Keep pot handles turned inward. Cook on rear burners when possible.
• Test all heated liquid and food before giving it to a child or placing it within their reach.
• Remove tablecloths when toddlers are present in the home. Also keep hot liquids, food and appliances away from the edges of tables
• Never hold a child while drinking a hot liquid.
• When using a microwave, follow food packaging and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep arms, hands and faces away from steam from boiling liquids or microwaved foods.
• Puncture plastic wrap before heating foods in the microwave.
• Stir foods to distribute the heat.
Home Safety Fire Prevention Tip
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Prevent fires/burns: Place space heaters at least 3ft away from everything. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
Fire Safety, Prevention and Awareness
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010Clean your roofs and gutters of debris annually, if not bi-annually. Keep a ladder and garden hose that can reach your roof. Chimneys must be inspected and cleaned bi-annually. Build a firebreak or gap in combustible material as a barrier around your house, like a river, lake, canyon, road or highway. Consult your local fire department and work with an experienced contractor who is familiar with the fire issues in your area.
Plant fire resistant trees and shrubs. Consult your home improvement social network for their landscape ideas for your locale. Remove branches that are below 10 feet high. Clear away dry and damaged vegetation or tree limbs which are fire fuel.
Purchase fire extinguishers that can handle a variety of fire types and place them in easily accessible places. With your household, make an easily executable fast evacuation plan complete with post evacuation meet up locations. Prepare ‘go bags” or a bag with a change or two of clothes, important papers, water and any necessary medication for all members of your household.
Though parts of these tasks are part of home maintenance, they are absolutely imperative for areas that are endangered by fire concerns. Even if you do not live in a fire prone area, maintain a safe interior. Finally, all smoke detectors, regardless of type, should be replaced every 8 to 10 years to ensure optimal operation.
Check for radon
Friday, January 22nd, 2010Some things bear repeating. You’ve probably heard about radon, an invisible, odorless and poisonous gas that causes tens of thousands of deaths each year. The gas is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. To call attention to this danger, the Environmental Protection Agency has declared January “National Radon Action Month.” Information about radon is available at www.ncradon.org.
Kits are available to help you determine whether your home has harmful levels of radon gas. First Alert Radon Gas Kit, available at hardware and other stores, is one. You can also get free kits from the state. Information about ordering a kit is at www.ncradon.org/free testkits_jan2010.htm
www.ncradon.org/free testkits_jan2010.htm
Question: Why does the alarm go off during cold weather?
Thursday, January 21st, 2010Answer: The unit may go into alarm only when it is very cold out or if a door adjacent to a heated area is opened, such as in an entry way. This is due to condensation (water vapor) in the detection chamber. The sensor is a particle-sensing device and when water condenses in the sensor, the unit will go into alarm. The operating temperature on FireX smoke alarms is between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (4 – 38 degrees Celsius). If the unit is in a garage or attic, you may consider replacing it with a heat alarm which is not effected by condensation.
What small, low-cost home improvements can I make?
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010By purchasing a carbon monoxide detector: One of these detectors will protect you and your family in case anything goes wrong with your furnace or other gas-burning appliances. Known as a silent killer, carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and — with sufficient exposure — can cause death. The simplest way to know if you have this poison in your air is to monitor with a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. Units are available at most local hardware stores, and many can simply be plugged into an outlet with no further installation required. You’ll have peace of mind for a tiny financial outlay.
