Residential Fire Safety

From the Office of The Bureau of Fire Prevention

Considering the recent number of fire related incidents in Hazlet, the Hazlet Township Bureau of Fire Prevention would like to remind residents of some key Fire Safety tips:

SMOKE ALARMS

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms must be 10-year sealed battery type or interconnected.
It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

Safety tips

CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards.
Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.

HOME ESCAPE PLAN

Your ability to get out of your home during a fire depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.
Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routs.
Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.

The Hazlet Township Bureau of Fire Prevention, Hazlet Fire District and the Hazlet Twp. Fire Department are here to assist you as needed. We have free brochures and guides to assist you in making your home Fire Safe. The state provides us with smoke detectors for those who require financial assistance, you can stop in our office to get them. Please contact the district office at 732-264-1427 or the Hazlet Fire Official at thorner@hazletfiredistrict.orgfor any assistance.

If you are interested in joining the Hazlet Twp. Volunteer Fire Department, please contact us at volunteer@hazletfiredistrict.org. No Experience Necessary – Free Training and Equipment