Keep fire doors closed at all times
Test smoke alarms monthly
Check space heaters

Keep fire doors closed to save lives 

Two of the deadliest residential fires in the past 40 years happened in 2022 in New York and Philadelphia. The proper function of the buildings’ fire doors is one factor that could have helped prevent the spread of fire and the tragic loss of 29 lives. 

The City of Carlsbad Fire Department wants to remind you to regularly perform three life-saving habits:

  1. Keep fire doors closed.
  2. Make sure your space heaters are functioning safely and used properly. 
  3. Test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning properly.

Together, these actions can save lives by preventing unnecessary fires, stopping the spread of smoke and fire and providing early notification during a fire.

The importance of fire doors in multi-family/apartment buildings

Although sometimes seen as a hindrance to everyday life, fire doors are a very important part of safe building design. In multi-family residential buildings, closed fire doors can stop the spread of smoke and fire and provide a safe evacuation route for residents. The front door of the residence into a corridor and doors leading into stairways are examples of fire doors that should self-close, self-latch and stay closed at all times. 

How to use space heaters safely

Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. In fact, according to the New York Fire Department, an improperly functioning space heater was the cause of their tragic fire. More than half of all home heating fire deaths resulted from fires that were started because combustible material, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses or bedding was too close to the heater. When using space heaters, be sure to follow these tips:

  • Ensure the space heater has a seal from a qualified testing laboratory such as UL, a company that certifies products and equipment.
  • Keep the space heater at least three feet from anything that can burn.
  • Make sure your heater has a thermostat and overheat protection. 
  • Make sure your heater has an automatic shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.
  • Unplug and turn off your space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.

Know the sounds of safety

  • A continuous set of three loud beeps means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1 and stay out
  • A continuous set of four beeps means carbon monoxide is detected. Get out, call 9-1-1 and stay out
  • A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed
  • Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced

Actions to take when you hear these sounds

  • Replace all smoke alarms older than 10 years
  • Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities
  • Plan and practice your home escape plan

Know the difference between the sound of a smoke alarm and a CO alarm

 

Learn the sounds of safety and have an escape plan

 

Go on a fire station tour and learn more about the sounds of safety

Resources

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The City of Carlsbad Fire & Life Safety team helps you learn the sounds of safety! Each video makes it easy for the whole family to identify the different sounds and know what actions to take.

NFPA Videos

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Close before you doze

Research shows that only 29% of people close their bedroom doors when they sleep, but a closed door can mean the difference between 1,000 degrees and 100 degrees during a fire. Additionally, a closed door can keep carbon monoxide levels at 1,000 PPM verses 10,000 PPM when a door is left open.

Having working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside and outside every sleeping room. Have an escape plan and know how to get out quickly. If you can’t get out quickly, having a closed door between you and the fire is critical to your survival. If you don't do this already, start today. "Close before you doze"- it can save your life. 

Carlsbad’s Fire & Life Safety personnel share helpful tips and videos below to keep you and your family safe while cooking in the kitchen. Each link focuses on providing simple but important actions everyone can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

Spring forward into action

The City of Carlsbad’s Fire Department is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association to “Spring Forward Into Action." Spring is a great time to plan ahead and prioritize safety in the home. We are encouraging everyone to: 

  • Test your smoke alarms
  • Practice your home escape plan 
  • Close before you doze

Test your smoke alarms

  • Have working smoke alarms in all sleeping rooms and hallways leading to sleeping rooms. Smoke alarms that are interconnected give you the best protection.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years or older.
  • Test smoke alarms monthly to make sure they are working. 

For more information, visit www.nfpa.org/smokealarms

Practice your escape plan 

  • National Fire Protection Association recommends you should be able to escape your home in less than 2 minutes.
  • Always choose the escape route that is safest – the one with the least amount of smoke and heat – but be prepared to escape under toxic smoke if necessary. When you do your fire drill, everyone in the family should practice getting low and going under the smoke to your exit.
  • Draw a map and designate a safe place for all family members to meet.
  • Once you get out, stay out.
  • Know two ways out of every room. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.  
  • Close doors on your way out slows the spread of fire, giving you more time to safely escape.

Click here for more information on creating a family escape plan. 

    Fire Department News and Information

    Carlsbad firefighters help battle wildfires

    Post Date:09/21/2022

    Fall is often a peak time for wildfires, and prevention and response go hand-in-hand in keeping the danger in check. The Carlsbad Fire Department works hard to protect our community, including through programs that ensure critical resources are deployed when and where they’re needed. Part of that involves helping other agencies when wildfires break out.

    • Since fire season began in May, Carlsbad Fire personnel have helped battle several wildfires that have threatened communities in Riverside County, San Diego County and Northern California.
    • The firefighters are deployed as part of California’s Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System. The system allows agencies to share resources to combat fires and other emergencies that exceed the capabilities of a single jurisdiction.
    • The state-wide mutual aid assistance is made possible through negotiated terms and conditions outlined in the California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA). Under this agreement, firefighting positions are backfilled at home, so there’s no change in coverage for the Carlsbad community.
    • Since May 3, a total of 36 Carlsbad Fire personnel have helped to combat 8 wildfires statewide, including the Fairview Fire near Hemet that broke out Sept. 5.
    • Firefighters are typically deployed in teams from 3 to 6 people and commit to being away from home for approximately 14 days, plus travel time. They work to protect life and property in extremely challenging conditions, often with little sleep.
    • Carlsbad benefits from mutual aid, knowing when or if we have a major incident, we can count on other agencies to reciprocate, like they did during the 2014 Poinsettia Fire. As the frequency and intensity of wildfires increases due to drought and climate change, the statewide mutual system has become more important than ever.

    “Under the California Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System, day and night, Carlsbad firefighters are responding with our San Diego County partner agencies to fires and other emergencies from the Oregon border to the Mexico border (and sometimes out of state), while maintaining full staffing here at home,” said Chief Michael Calderwood.

    “They do so as part of their sworn duty to the City of Carlsbad and the state of California,” Calderwood said. “They miss important family moments and skip holidays, working in extreme conditions – sometimes up to 21 days straight, 24 hours a day – with minimal rest periods and sack lunches for food.”

    Since the 2022 California fire season began, wildfires statewide have burned 365,140 acres, killed 9 civilians and destroyed 772 structures.

    How to help prevent wildfires
    Our region’s worst wildfires have typically occurred in September and October. Calderwood urged residents to remain alert, be safe and protect their homes from wildfires. Many wildfires can be prevented, or their spread limited, by taking a few simple precautions:

    • Monitor the weather report for red flag warnings and dry, windy conditions
    • During these weather condition, DO NOT do outdoor electrical work or engage in any activity that could cause a spark including:
      • Using power lawn mowers, edging equipment, chain saws and leaf blowers
      • Setting a piece of hot gardening equipment in the brush
      • Using outdoor grinding or cutting tools/saws
      • Pulling a car over on an unpaved shoulder (unless an emergency) or parking a car near where dry landscaping could ignite
      • Using chains or trailer hitches that could touch the road and cause a spark
    More information
    Carlsbad Fire Department
    Wildfire prevention webpage
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