Smoke detectors and preparation save lives

Residents are reminded of the importance and value of having properly operating smoke detectors in your home. A smoke detector may save your life!

If a fire occurs in your home, your chances of survival are two times better when smoke detectors are present. Smoke detectors should be placed on the ceiling because smoke and heat rise and then spread along the ceiling. A smoke detector should be installed in the immediate area of the bedrooms, at least one on each floor of the house and the ceiling above the bottom step of the stairway going upstairs from the basement. Keep smoke detectors away from air supply registers.

Smoke detectors should be tested every week. The face and grillwork of the detectors should be cleaned to remove dust and grease and dust should be blown out through the grillwork. Batteries should be changed on a regular basis. As a reminder, change your batteries when you change your clocks.

Be prepared! Know at least two (2) ways out of your house. Parents with school age children are urged to consult with your children when planning exit drills in your home. Your children are learning "fire safety skills" in the local schools and you may learn from them. Remember, "A working smoke detector can be your best protection against fire" in your home.

Smoke detector inspection required before home sales

Residents selling their homes are reminded that a Certificate of Compliance indicating smoke detector placement and operation is required before a home sale can be completed. This State mandated safety requirement also applies to the owner of a house that is rented. The owner must obtain a Certificate of Compliance upon any change of tenancy.

Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 201-568-9269 to arrange an inspection and obtain this certificate.

Know what to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off

More and more New Jersey households are installing carbon monoxide (CO) alarms as protection against this invisible hazard. CO is a gas that is undetectable by human senses yet it can cause health problems, brain damage and even death. When concentrations of the gas build up, flu-like symptoms may develop, especially among younger and older individuals who are less tolerant of this poison. If your carbon monoxide alarm activates:

• Gather all family members together in a predetermined meeting place and check to be sure everyone is present.
• Call 9-1-1. Leave the building immediately. Do not reenter until responders say it is safe to do so.

Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide is invisible. There will be no smoke or haze to betray its presence. Carbon monoxide is odorless. Carbon monoxide is deadly. CO is the symbol for carbon monoxide.