Fire departments across Cortland County are participating in a national campaign to ensure residents learn the audio and visual cues from smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The campaign is part of National Fire Prevention Week.
The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), an international nonprofit seeking to mitigate the damage to people’s health and property caused by fires, deemed the week of Oct. 3-9 as fire prevention week. For Cortland County fire departments, this seven-day stretch is an opportunity to educate county residents on the sounds of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, as well as remind them to call fire authorities if something seems out of the ordinary.
City of Cortland Fire Department. (Photo Source: Kevin L. Smith/Cortland Voice).
Cortland Fire Department chief Wayne Friedman noted the importance of taking action if residents hear a “beep” or a “chirp.”
“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” Friedman said. “When an alarm makes a noise — a beeping sound or a chirping sound — you must take action.”
Friedman also noted it is important to make other people in the building aware of the alarms.
“Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond,” Friedman said. “To learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the manufacturer's instructions that came in the box, or search the brand and model online.”
Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy for NFPA, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the different sounds.
“Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family,” she said in a press statement.
For Cortlandville assistant fire chief Mike Biviano, taking action is also a priority.
Cortlandville Fire Department. (Photo Source: Kevin L. Smith/Cortland Voice).
“While it is important to learn the different sounds and what they mean on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, it’s more important that if you are unsure do not hesitate to call,” Biviano said. “We would much rather come out, check things out and make sure you don't have a carbon monoxide problem.”
Biviano highlighted some tips for residents to keep in mind when checking their alarms.
“As a general reminder, change your batteries every six months,” he said, adding that new detectors now have a 10-year lifespan. “The nice thing is once you install these devices they last 8-to-10 years with no need to change your batteries. The downside is that they are more expensive than your standard battery operated devices.”
Biviano urged residents to stay vigilant when they hear a detector.
“Another important reminder with smoke, carbon monoxide detectors, or fire alarms in general is that we see a lot of people getting complacent,” Biviano said. “The fire alarm will be going off in apartments, hotels, stores and everyone is going about their normal business. Treat the alarm like it's real because one of these times it will be.”
As far as other general safety tips, Biviano emphasized staying on top of kitchen appliances.
“Never leave cooking unattended,” he said. “With the heating season upon us, if you utilize wood, coal or pellets make sure your chimney pipes are clean and stoves are in proper working order. Most local fire departments do not clean and inspect chimneys, so you will need to contact a certified chimney sweep.”
On their website, the Cortland Fire Department also highlights what to do if a person in the building is deaf or hard of hearing.
“There are smoke alarms and alert devices that alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarm sounds,” according to the department’s website. “Pillows or bed shakers designed to work with your smoke alarm also can be purchased and installed.”
