Smoke alarms are vital resources in any home, but especially where children live. 2013 ended as the worst year for civilian fire deaths in Michigan that we haven’t seen since 1999. The rise in fire fatalities occurred in homes that didn’t have working smoke alarms. Sometimes the smoke alarm battery is removed because of a nuisance alarm (caused by cooking or steam from the shower), or when the smoke alarm “chirps” due to a low battery. These loud and unexpected noises often scare young children.
My friends from E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire & Safety offer these tips to introduce the sound of a smoke alarm and talk about fire safety to children early and often:
- Talk about fire safety with your kids in their home, where they feel secure. It’s never too early to begin discussions about who firefighters are, what a family escape map is, and how and when to go to a neighbor’s house during a fire or smoke emergency.
- Practice home fire drills on a regular basis. This can decrease anxiety and allow children to respond calmly.
- Teach children that the smoke alarm gives an early warning so everyone can get out of the house safely.
- Begin to practice by pretending the alarm has gone off, and have the child leave the house quickly and calmly.
- Next, place a pillow over the alarm, or place duct tape or electrical tape over the horn of the smoke alarm to muffle the sound. Press the test button to activate the alarm and introduce the softer sound to the child.
- Once the child is comfortable with the softer sound of the smoke alarm, remove the tape and allow him or her to hear the actual sound.
- Set the alarm off on purpose and practice leaving the house again.
- During fire drills, practice leaving the house from different rooms so children get used to doing so.
- Practice a fire drill at night, after children have gone to sleep since some children may sleep through the sound of a smoke alarm.
If your child’s fear about the smoke alarm continues, especially when it’s activated in school, have a short meeting with your child’s teacher to explain the issue. The teacher may be able to devote extra class time to discussions about what happens during a fire drill. Often when students have the chance to talk about their smoke alarm fears with their classmates, they will realize it’s not as scary as it seems.
Finally, some children with a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience sensory overload and may not be able to initially handle high-pitched noises, such as the sound of a smoke alarm. The blaring noise may prevent the child from thinking or comprehending the appropriate action to take and cause him or her to freeze or hide. A scared child won’t be able to learn and may not remember what to do during an emergency. Again, to introduce children with ASD to the sound of a smoke alarm, try placing a pillow or heavy tape over the horn. Once the test button is depressed, the sound level emitted during the drill will be reduced and the child won’t experience pain and will less likely to become scared. There are even smoke alarms available where a parent can record their own voice into the alarm. During an alarm activation the parent’s voice will speak to the child alerting him or her to Get Out and Stay Out during fire or smoke conditions.
With lots of patience, positive reinforcement and encouragement, you can teach children ways to reduce the anxiety and fear from the sound of a smoke alarm. They will understand what to do and where to go during fire or smoke conditions.
Did you know that many people don’t test their smoke alarms as often as they should? Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. You need working smoke alarms to give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
Facts About Home Fires
- According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2011, U.S. fire departments responded to 370,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,910 civilian injuries, 2,520 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.
- On average, seven people died in U.S. home fires per day from 2007 to 2011.
- Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, followed by heating equipment.
- Smoking is the leading cause of civilian home fire deaths.
- Most fatal fires kill one or two people. In 2012, eight home fires killed five or more people resulting in a total of 44 deaths.
Smoke Alarms
- Almost three of five (60%) of reported home fire deaths throughout the U.S. from 2007 to 2011 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
- Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half.
- In fires considered large enough to activate the smoke alarm, hardwired alarms operated 93% of the time, while battery powered alarms operated only 79% of the time.
- When smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected, or dead.
- An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, or where extra time is needed, to awaken or assist others, both types of alarms, or combination ionization and photoelectric alarms are recommended.
Safety Tips
- Install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home, including in the basement.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least ten feet from the stove.
- People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old.
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire & Safety, State Fire Marshal Richard Miller, and your local fire department remind you to plan ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go including the location of the meeting place once outside.
October is National Fire Prevention Month. This year’s theme is “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives – Test Yours Every Month!”. From Fire Department Open Houses to events with a focus on fire prevention education, there are numerous opportunities for children and families to attend one of the following events and learn about fire safety and injury prevention close to Where You Live.
(Please note: event dates and times may be subject to change. Please check with your local fire department for more details)
Allegan County
Dorr Township Fire Department
4th Annual Dorr Twp. Fire Dept. Pancake Breakfast and Open House
4196 18th Street
Dorr, MI 49323
Saturday October 11, 2014
7 – 11 a.m.
- Serving: Pancakes, eggs, sausage, hash browns, beverages.
- Donations accepted with some of the proceeds going to start a scholarship program for High School Seniors entering Fire Science or EMS.
- Games and prizes, along with face painting for kids
- Also there will be a silent auction
Otsego Fire Department
Home Depot Safety Day
1227 M-89
Plainwell, MI 49080
Saturday October 11, 2014
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Plainwell Department of Public Safety
Fire Prevention Week Open House
Public Safety Building
119 Island Avenue
Plainwell, MI 49080
Saturday October 4, 2014
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Building Tours
- Fire Prevention Information
- Jr. Firefighter Combat Challenge
- Allegan County Smoke House for Kids
- Smoke Alarm Information
- Red Cross Van with Safety Information
- Hot Dogs from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Wayland Fire Department
Fire Prevention Week Open House
160 West Superior Street
Wayland, MI 49348
Wednesday October 8, 2014
6 – 8 p.m.
Any questions feel free to call (269) 792-6300
- Free refreshments and cookies will be provided
Kalamazoo County
11th Annual Family Fire Safety Day
Lowe’s of Portage
Portage Department of Public Safety – Fire Division
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety / WOOD TV 8 – WOTV 4
5108 South Westnedge Avenue
Portage, MI 49002
Saturday October 25, 2014
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet WOOD TV8’s Bill Steffen and Jake the Fire Safety Dog. Free nine volt batteries and smoke alarms will be available (while supplies last). The E.S.C.A.P.E. Smoke Demonstration trailer will teach families how to be safe from fire. Free fire extinguisher demonstration. Tour the Portage Public Safety Fire Engine, Life EMS Ambulance and learn about smoke alarms from Safe Kids of Kalamazoo County. Free games and prizes for those who know the correct answers to the safety questions presented throughout the day. Halloween costume contest begins at 11 a.m. with prizes.
Comstock Township Fire & Rescue
Fire Department Open House
Central Station #1
1960 River Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Saturday October 11, 2014
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Meet the firefighters, learn about a fire truck, auto extrication demonstration will begin at 1 p.m., use a thermal imaging camera, visit with Sparky™ and Friends, enjoy refreshments and win door prizes.
Portage Department of Public Safety – Fire Division
Fire Prevention Week Open House
Station #1 – 7800 Shaver Road
Portage, MI 49024
Saturday October 11, 2014
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Richland Township Fire Department
Fire Prevention Week Open House
7401 North 32nd Street
Richland, MI 49083
Saturday October 11, 2014
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Kent County
Grandville Fire Department
Annual Open House
3215 Wilson Avenue
Grandville, MI 49418
Tuesday October 7, 2014
6 – 8 p.m.
For more information, please contact the fire station at (616) 530-6211
- Learn fire safety, see a police car, fire truck and an ambulance!
- Enjoy cookies, popcorn, and drinks!
- Meet Sparky™ The Fire Dog, Firefighters, Police Officers, and Paramedics!
- Learn CPR! Save a Life!
John Ball Zoo Goes Boo
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety / Grand Rapids Fire Department
1300 West Fulton
Grand Rapids, MI 49501
Friday October 17, 2014
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Walker Fire Department
Fire Prevention Open House
4101 Lake Michigan Drive NW
Walker, MI 49534
Monday October 6, 2014
6 – 8 p.m.
- Activities will include tours of the fire station and apparatus. Home fire safety information and packets will be distributed to attendees. There will be free smoke alarms available for those who visit with an emphasis on Walker firefighters installing them for Walker residents.
Muskegon County
Dalton Township Fire Department
1650 E. Riley Thompson
Muskegon, MI49445
For more information, call (231) 766-3277
Wednesday October 8, 2014
6 – 8 p.m.
Muskegon Fire Department
Fire Prevention Week Open House
Central Station – 770 Terrace Street (next to Hot Rod Harley)
Muskegon, MI 49440
Sunday September 28, 2014
2 – 4 p.m.
The Muskegon Fire Department would like to cordially invite you and your family to our annual Fire Prevention Open House. Anticipated activities include:
- Jaws of Life demonstrations
- Tours of Central Station
- Displays of all Fire Department apparatus
- Working hose lines for the kids
- The Fire Prevention Theatre
- Hazardous Materials Team will be showing off their equipment
- Free Food and Refreshments
- Fun for kids of all ages!
- A glimpse into the daily life of a Firefighter in Muskegon
Ottawa County
Georgetown Township Fire Department
Fire Prevention Open House
Fire Station #1
Corner of 14th Avenue & 44th Street
Georgetown Charter Township
Thursday October 2, 2014
6 – 8 p.m.
The 12th Annual New Jersey Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Conference will be held at the Middlesex County Fire Academy December 4 – 5, 2014.
This year’s theme is: “Social Media: Spreading Information at the Speed of Fire.
For Fire Service, Mental Health, Law Enforcement, Social Service, and Educational Professionals
Please select the following link for the Conference Flyer which includes a list of the speakers and their presentations as well as the pre-registration requirements and payment of $100:
To register, please select the following link:
http://www.keanfiresafety.com/conferences-2/juvenile-firesetter-registration-form-2014/
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