A. Smoke alarms should be checked monthly. For more information on smoke alarms, please go to our smoke alarms page.

A. smoke alarm should be cleaned once or twice per year. You can do this with the brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner or with canned air. NOTE: The alarm may sound when you are cleaning it.

A. smoke alarms have a normal life expectancy of 10 years. If you are getting false alarms from your detector, it may need to be replaced. When having problems with your alarm, always remember to check the battery. A 'chirping' sound typically means that the battery should be replaced.

A. Electric smoke alarms still need to be tested monthly. Testing the smoke alarm can be a great time for your family to test your fire escape plan!

A. Yes. Professional chimney sweeps advise that chimneys be cleaned when the creosote has built up to 1/8" to 1/4". This will help prevent chimney fires. REMEMBER: The fireplace or wood stove is not an incinerator. Do not burn trash or large amounts of paper (especially gift-wrap). The temperatures this can produce can damage your fireplace or chimney.

A. YES! The Fire Department responds to 2 to 4 house fires every year because a homeowner has cleaned their fireplace, wood stove, or fire pit and placed the ashes in a paper bag. Ashes can stay hot enough to start a fire for up to seven days. To be safe: place your ashes in a metal container and leave them outside until you know they are cold (at least seven days). If you dispose of the ashes in the trash, put them in the trash only after the seven days and then only when your can has been moved to the curb for pickup.

A. Some stains are capable of creating enough heat to start a fire as they dry (check the label). This is commonly known as spontaneous combustion. Avoid storing the wet rag in a pile, the rags should be laid flat or hung to air dry. You can also store them in a metal container that has a tight fitting lid, then store the metal container outside away from any other combustibles. They can then be disposed of when completely dry.

A. Address numbers are very important to emergency responders. Having address numbers visible is not only required, but will help emergency personnel (fire, ambulance, or police) find your house. The numbers should be reflective or a color that contrasts with the house. They should be near a light to help make them visible. Don't place them on the garage door as the door may be raised when the numbers are needed. You should check that the numbers are visible from the street.

A. Extension cords may only be used with portable appliances. They may not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

A. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by improperly operating fuel-burning appliances (natural gas, LP gas, fuel oil, kerosene, wood). CO can be deadly! All fuel burning appliances (such as furnaces and water heaters) should be serviced yearly. Every dwelling unit should have a carbon monoxide detector. For more information on carbon monoxide and carbon monoxide detectors, please go to our carbon monoxide page.

A. Yes, Having a fire in ones home is a devastating thing, however there are things that can be done, ahead of time, to make the process a little easier.

• Take a personnel inventory of all of your families belongings.
• Make more than one copy, keep one in a fireproof safe and one with at least one other family member or friend, outside your home.
• Try to keep receipts for some of the more expensive items.
• Talk with your insurance company to find out what other information they might in the event of a fire.