Berkeley Issues Safety Tips For 2021 Fire Prevention Week

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley officials issued fire safety reminders for National Fire Prevention Week, observed this year from Oct. 3 through Oct. 9.

This year’s theme, “Learn the sounds of fire safety,” focuses on educating people on the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from risk of home fires.

“Our Berkeley Township Fire Departments encourage all residents to embrace the 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme and I hope these reminders will keep everyone safe,” Mayor Carmen Amato said.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), it’s important to know about the different sounds that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make, and knowing what to do when the alarm sounds can keep families safe.

When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must act.

Beeping = emergency. Get out!

Chirping = change the batteries or alarms.

• Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. In the event of fire, you may have as little as two minutes to escape safely.
• Smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside the sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement).
• Do not put smoke alarms in your kitchen or bathroom.
• CO alarms detect the presence of carbon monoxide and alert you so you can get out, call 911, and let the professionals check your home.
• For best protection, use a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm with a 10-year battery backup.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org.

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