Every smoke alarm has an expiration date: What’s yours?

A recent survey conducted by National Fire Protection Agency revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced.

That lack of awareness is a concern for Robins Fire Emergency Services and other fire departments across the country.
Smoke alarms don’t last forever.

Time and again, we’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, and also have seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly.

That’s why we’re making an effort to educate Team Robins about the importance of smoke alarms and their functionality.

 National Fire Alarm Code requires smoke alarms be replaced every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of that requirement, many have alarms past their expiration date, putting people at risk.

As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA is promoting this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait - Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” to educate people about the importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10 years old.

Fire Prevention Week is Sunday through Oct.15.

To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked.
The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date – not the date of purchase.

 
Robins FES also reminds everyone smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or  when they begin to chirp, signaling they’re running low.

For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.

Fire Prevention Week events are as follows:

• Tuesday – Emergency Action Cards will be distributed at flight line entry gate 31 from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and at Wynn Dining Hall from 11 to 11:30 a.m.; A table display and Sparky the Fire Dog will be at the Base Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Smokey Bear and the Fire Chief will visit Bldg. 905 from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday – Emergency Action Cards will be distributed at flight line entry gate 44 from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and at Wynn Dining Hall from 11 to 11:30 a.m.; Sparky the Fire Dog and the Friendly Fireman will visit the Child Development Center in Bldg. 943 from 9 to 10 a.m.; A table display will be set up at the Base Restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Smokey Bear and the Fire Chief will visit at Bldg. 215 at 2 p.m.
• Thursday – Emergency Action Cards will be distributed at flight line entry gate 38 from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. and at Wynn Dining Hall from 11 to 11:30 a.m.; Sparky the Fire Dog and the Friendly Fireman will visit the Child Development Center in Bldg. 946 from 9 to 10 a.m.; A table display will be set up at the BX from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Smokey Bear and the Fire Chief will visit at Bldg. 300 at 2 p.m. and Bldg. 301 at 2:30 p.m.
• Friday – Smokey Bear will visit Bldg. 125 at 9 a.m.; Emergency Action Cards will be distributed at Wynn Dining Hall from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and Bldg. 640 from 2 to 3 p.m.; A table display and Sparky the Fire Dog will be at the Commissary from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.