Don’t wait – check the date!

Does your home have a smoke alarm? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one. But do you know how old your smoke alarms are? If you’re like most people, you’re probably not so sure.

A recent survey conducted by NFPA revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. That lack of awareness is a concern for Tinker Fire & Emergency Services (TFES) and NFPA, along with fire departments throughout the country, because smoke alarms don’t last forever.

“Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” says Scott Bloxham, Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention (TFES). “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate the Tinker community about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”

According to the latest NFPA research, when smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected, or dead and contributed to three out five fire related deaths.

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code^®, requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk.

As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA is promoting this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait - Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” to better educate the public about the critical importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10 years old. Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 9-15.

To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date (not the date of purchase). Tinker Fire & Emergency Services also reminds that smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced twice a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low. A reminder to Tinker housing residents, Balfour Beatty maintenance maintains the smoke alarms for residents. Facilities on base, to include dormitories, are maintained by a Civil Engineer contractor and should not be tampered with.

The members of Tinker Fire and Emergency Services will be hosting activities around the base during Fire Prevention Week through educational, family-oriented activities, where the community can learn more about the importance of having working smoke alarms.

For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” visit www.firepreventionweek.org.

Fire Prevention week scheduled events:

Oct. 11:     10 a.m. to 2 p.m. fire inspectors at Bldg. 9001 to issue handouts

               12 p.m. to 2 p.m. fire inspectors at Base Exchange to issue handouts

Oct. 12:     10 a.m. to 2 p.m. fire prevention trailer demonstration at Base Exchange

               10 a.m. to 12 p.m. rope rescue demonstration by ladder/truck company personnel

Oct. 13:     10 a.m. to 2 p.m. prevention trailer at Base Exchange

               11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. fire inspectors at Base Exchange to issue handouts

               1 p.m. to 2 p.m. rope rescue demonstration

                  4 p.m. to 6 p.m. cookout at community center base housing.