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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:
- Keep fire doors closed.
- Make sure your space heaters are functioning safely and used properly.
- 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
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
- For kids: Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety
- For the entire family: Making a Home Escape Plan
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.