Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Larger homes may require additional smoke alarms to provide a minimum level of protection. For the best protection, make sure all smoke alarms are interconnected. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound. Make sure everyone in your home knows the sound and understands the warning of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
 
Testing Smoke Alarms

• Smoke alarms should be maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well. The instructions are included in the package or can be found on the internet.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. 
• Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

More than 400 people die each year in the United States from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, according to the CDC whose data includes consumer products and vehicles. Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.

• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
• If the audible trouble signal sounds, first check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department. 
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.

Plan how you will get out of your home in case of fire. Make a home fire escape plan. Plan how you will get out of your home in the event of a fire. Escape Planning Safety Tip Sheet

The top fire causes in the home are from candles. cooking, electrical issues, heating your home, and smoking. Click the safety tip sheets below to learn more about preventing disasters.

Candles Safety Tip Sheet

Cooking Safety Tip Sheet

Electrical Safety Tip Sheet          Outdoor Electrical Safety Tip Sheet

Heating Safety Tip Sheet

Smoking Safety Tip Sheet

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the Fire Department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the #1 priority for residents is to get out of the home safely.

• To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
  • Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
  • Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
  • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

How easily can emergency responders find your home? Can they find it instantly at night or during inclement weather?  If your house number is not displayed correctly where emergency responders can see it, valuable time can be lost when they are responding to a call for help.
 
 Help our emergency responders locate your home quickly by having highly visible-reflective address markers on your property.
 
If you don’t have a reflective address marker, the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department Auxiliary can help! Complete and return this reflective address marker order form.
 
For any questions, please call the KDH Fire Department at 252-480-4060.

Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home. Many of them are seriously injured, and some are disabled. 
 
Falls are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but easy to fix. This checklist from the CDC will help you find and fix those hazards in your home. 

 Watch our video on falls prevention which also shares helpful tips on preventing an accident.  

As a parent or caregiver, you recognize the importance of the correct installation of your child's car seat. Proper installation and seat placement maximize safety and protection in case of a car accident. Know for sure that this potentially life-saving device is installed correctly and is the right fit for your child, by having a certified technician from our Fire Department help educate you on best practice when it comes to riding safely in your vehicle. Car seat inspections and installations are of no cost. Contact us to set up a time to come by: 252-480-4060.

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