Does your home have smoke alarms? It should. Do you know how old your smoke alarms are? If they are older than 10 years, they should be replaced. This week is the National Fire Protection Agency’s (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week. The Manhattan Fire Department is promoting this year’s theme “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 years.” Smoke alarms older than 10 years old may not function correctly and offer you the detection you need to escape a home fire.
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). The Manhattan Fire Department also encourages residents to test smoke alarms monthly, and that batteries should be replaced twice a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.
The Manhattan Fire Department will host its annual Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, October 16, at Headquarters Fire Station, 2000 Denison Ave. Activities will include Old Engine 1 rides, spraying a real fire hose, using an escape window, and watching live demonstrations of firefighters in action. Through many educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about fire safety and the Manhattan Fire Department.