Learn the Sounds of Safety for Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week, which takes place Oct. 3–9, 2021, is the perfect time to get up to speed on the latest tips on keeping yourself and those around you safe inside your home and business.

Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety™.”

“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” said Palo Alto Fire Department (PAFD) Chief Geoffrey Blackshire. “When an alarm makes noise — a beeping sound or a chirping sound — you must take action. Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. 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.”

According to NFPA, nearly three out of five home fire deaths are caused by fires with no working smoke alarms. For this reason, they recommend the following safety tips for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:

• A continuous set of three loud beeps — beep, beep, beep — means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9–1–1, and stay out.
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
• All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

Learn about other important fire prevention tips here.

Inspire Your Kids to Stay Safe with a Special Storytime with Our Fire Chief!

Join the Library and Palo Alto Fire Chief Blackshire on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. for a very special storytime recognizing Fire Prevention Week, featuring reading and sharing books about fires and firefighters. This event will be held online on the Library’s Facebook page. You can also go here for more information on the Library’s Thursday morning storytime series.

Wildfire Season Continues…Are You Prepared?

Although wildfires can happen any time of year here, we’re still in the more active “fire season,” which officially runs June through October. The City of Palo Alto works every year to minimize the risk, with a multi-functional team that works on wildfire risk reduction programs. These programs help a lot, but they can only go so far. Every property owner must be proactive as well and take important steps to prepare for wildfires outside their home or business.

Check out our recent blog about great resources to help you plan for, and mitigate your risks, around wildfires.