As our community deals with the new dangers posed by COVID-19, the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System reminds residents to stay protected from other hazards around your home including deadly home fires.
Home fires continue to be a formidable threat and we must protect ourselves. Having working smoke alarms, properly located on each floor of your home, is the best way to alert you and your family to a fire and allow you time to get to safety.
“During a house fire, you have an average of THREE minutes to escape your home,” said Fire Chief Keith Johnson. “Smoke Alarms are crucial to providing you that precious time to escape and actually reduce the risk of dying in a fire by half!”
Firefighters will be canvasing Loudoun neighborhoods this coming Saturday, July 11, 2020, between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. offering free smoke alarm assessments and fire safety information. During the assessment, firefighters will test existing smoke alarms, assist with battery replacement, ensure the alarms are less than the ten year recommended lifespan, and provide valuable information about home escape planning and fire safety.
To temper the risks associated with COVID-19, first responders will practice social distancing, wear face coverings, and will ensure no one in the home is suffering from any flu-like symptoms prior to entering a residence.
Loudoun residents can request a smoke alarm assessment at any time by completing the online smoke alarm assessment request form at loudoun.gov/smokealarms or by calling the smoke alarms program hotline at 703-737-8093.
Not sure if you need a smoke alarm assessment? To ensure smoke alarms are operating properly, LC-CFRS recommends citizens follow these safety tips:
- Test the smoke alarm each month by pressing and holding the test button.
- Replace batteries based on manufacturer’s recommendations or sooner if it begins to chirp. Some alarms need a battery replacement each year, other alarms have a long life battery that lasts several years.
- Replace smoke alarms after 10 years. Check the manufacture date on the back of the alarm, 10 years after that date they should be replaced.
- For the best protection, smoke alarms should be located on the ceiling on every level, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom.
- It is also recommended that smoke alarms are hardwired and interconnected, when possible.
For additional information regarding the LC-CFRS Smoke Alarm Program or other fire and life safety initiatives, please contact our Public Education Manager, Lisa Braun at 703-737-8093 or email [email protected].
