When is a good time to check my smoke detectors?
We recommend testing all the smoke detectors in your home monthly and changing the batteries every 6 months, when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
Where should I put my smoke detectors?
Smoke detectors should be placed throughout your home. At least one on each floor and one in every bedroom. Take note that it is not recommended to put a smoke detector in your kitchen to avoid smoke activation from cooking and minor culinary incidents.
How often should I replace my smoke detectors?
Most smoke detector manufactures recommend replacing the detector unit every 10 years.
Where can I buy my smoke detectors?
You can find quality smoke detectors at any local hardware store and big box stores. Recommended manufactures are as follows; First Alert, Kidde, X-Sense, Google Nest Protect
What do I do if my smoke detector is beeping?
First thing to do is determine what kind of "beep" your detector is emitting. If you are hearing a single chirp periodically that means your battery is low or that your unit could need replaced. If you're detector is sounding a series of alarms, exit your home immediately and call 911.
Where should I put my carbon monoxide alarm?
It is recommended that a carbon monoxide alarm is placed on each floor of your home. For added safety, you can add alarms to each bedroom or large gathering areas of your home. Carbon monoxide alarms can be placed anywhere in the room, in an outlet, on the wall or on the ceiling.
When should I check my carbon monoxide alarm?
It is a great idea to test and maintain your alarms on the same schedule as your smoke detectors. Testing monthly and replacing batteries every 6 months when the clock change.
How often should I replace my carbon monoxide alarms?
Most carbon monoxide alarm manufactures recommend replacing your alarm every 5-7 years
Where can I buy my carbon monoxide alarms?
You can find quality smoke detectors at any local hardware store and big box stores. Recommended manufactures are as follows; First Alert, Kidde, Google Nest Protect
What do i do if my carbon monoxide alarm is beeping?
Just like your smoke detectors, you need to determine what kind of "beep" you are hearing. A single chirp generally means that your alarm is low on battery power and you should replace it. If your alarm is sounding a series of alarms, exit your home immediately and call 911.
What sources produce carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide can be produced by any natural gas powered appliance such as your stove, furnace, clothes dryer, and water heaters. Another very common producer of carbon monoxide in the home is any kind of internal combustion engine such a generator or your car, it is important that if you need to run a generator that your keep the generator outside a safe distance away from your home and if you have a garage do not let your vehicle run for extended periods of time inside.
It is important to note that carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, which makes it well known as the "silent killer." Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are as follows: dizziness, sleepiness, nausea or vomiting, confusion, weakness, or headache.
What does natural gas smell like?
Natural gas is naturally odorless and colorless, however an additive is included to give the gas a rotten egg or sulfur type smell so that leaks can be detected.
What should I do if I think I smell natural gas?
If you think you smell natural gas (a strong rotten egg or sulfur like smell) the first thing you should do is move away from the infected area an adequate distance. Once you are in a safe area, dial 911 to alert fire officials. If you would like, you can also dial 1-800-400-4271 24-hours a day to alert Peoples Natural Gas Company.
It is important to note that if you smell natural gas you SHOULD NOT turn on any switches or activate any kind of electrical charge to avoid making a spark. The best thing to do is to leave your home and wait outside for a Peoples Natural Gas Company representative, police or fire officials.
For more detailed information, Click Here to visit Peoples Natural Gas Company's website.
The best way to avoid injury or fatality during a house fire is to have a practiced escape plan and meeting place outside of your home. Having multiple escape plans is the best way to ensure escape during a fire, often times we may find that our original escape plan is compromised. Lastly, have an outside meeting place. This helps you alert arriving responders whether or not everyone is out of the house safely.
Having faulty or an absence of smoke detectors is the leading cause to fatalities in house fires. Homes without fully-functioning smoke detectors are more than twice as likely to lead to a fatality.
When by a moving water source, you should never be alone. This includes swimming, boating, fishing, and other water activities. If entering the waterway, ensure you are wearing a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket PFD (Personal Flotation Device).
Make sure to understand water way rules and regulations as you may not be the only people on the water. Be aware of boats and other types of vessels as they may not be aware of you, stay clear to ensure your safety.
While out be conscious of current strength and direction, water temperature, shallow and unclear water, vegetation, and animals that live in the areas.
Always try to swim with someone around to ensure a swimmer's safety. This can either be a lifeguard or adequate swimmer. Swim in a pool's designated area that are compatible to a swimmer's efficiency.
If someone is not a strong swimmer, make sure to use a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket PFD (Personal Flotation Device).
Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit
Anytime someone gets in a vehicle, first thing they should do is to put on their seatbelt. In 2022 almost 10% of drivers did not use their seatbelt. It is estimated that properly wearing lap and shoulder seatbelts can reduce vehicle occupant deaths by 45%.
When driving, follow the ahead vehicle by using the 3-4 second rule, this will allow drivers to have adequate time to stop or react to what may occur ahead of them. Keeping a distance will also assist in having an escape route to if an event occurs.
Be aware of roadways surrounds, conditions, and obstructions. Cutting out driving distractions keep drivers attentive to the road and avoiding potential accidents.
While driving if an emergency vehicle is approaching from either direction slow down and pull over. Section 3325 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code requires drivers of all vehicles to yield the right-of-way to the immediate approach of all emergency vehicles utilizing approved audible and visual warning systems.