October 4, 2021 - Sacramento – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) - the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years - to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” This year’s campaign, October 3 - 9, 2021, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

“What do the sounds mean? Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family,” said Lorraine Carli, vice-president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA.

CAL FIRE encourages all residents to embrace the 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme by taking time to familiarize yourself with the smoke detector(s) and carbon monoxide detector(s) in your home.

“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—you must take action!” said Chief Thom Porter. “Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. To learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box, or search the brand and model online.”

“This Fire Prevention Week we want to provide the public with knowledge to help them take action in preventing injuries and/or fatalities due to fire, smoke and toxic gases”, said State Fire Marshal Mike Richwine. “We want residents to understand that working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are critical to ensure home fire safety. These safety devices are required in every residence, hotel/motel, dormitory, and lodging house. It is imperative that everyone is familiar with the emergency notification signals to enable them to safely exit the home.”

Safety tips to help you “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”:
• A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. 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.

• All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.

• 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.

• Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

In California all new individually sold smoke alarms contain a non-replaceable, non-removable battery capable of powering the smoke alarm for a minimum of 10 years. While residents should still test them monthly, these new alarms wouldn’t need new batteries each year. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit www.fpw.org.
Source: CAL FIRE