Educating PWC: Smoke Alarms 101

Our volunteer fire and rescue departments do more than just rescue missions. Our departments provide prevention services throughout the county. From visiting schools to participating in fire safety day activities, you’ll find our department members teaching and reaching out to the community. One of our biggest areas of focus is on the importance of having working smoke alarms in homes. Take our quiz to see if you can check off each box!

Smoke Alarm Safety Checklist

Working smoke alarms in your home can reduce your chance of dying in a fire by 50 percent.

• My home has at least one smoke alarm in each bedroom, near all sleeping areas and on every level of my home.
• I test my smoke alarms each month.
  • Test your alarm by holding down the button until you hear the alarm sound.
• I replace the batteries once a year or more frequently, if needed.
  • Replace your batteries annually on a set day. Many people do this when daylight saving time begins in the spring.
• Everyone in my home recognizes the sound of our smoke alarms and knows what to do when they hear them.
  • If you did not check this box, schedule a time to test it with your family. Even young children should know the sound. Alert them that it will be loud and instruct them to get low to the ground and go to the nearest exit.
• I know whether my alarms are battery-powered or hardwired.
  • Flashing or solid green lights on the alarm generally denote power from a hard-wired system. A sure way to tell is to remove the detector from the ceiling and check for wiring. Wires coming from the ceiling mean it is hardwired.
• I know how old my smoke alarm is.
  • Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

How’d you do? Are you a smoke alarm expert? If you are, then consider joining our team! PWCFRS is always looking for dedicated team members to join our ranks. In these volunteer roles, you can provide fire and rescue services, receive valuable education and experience, and help educate our community about fire prevention. Contact us today!

Are you looking for a change? Here in Prince William County, the volunteer departments provide fire and emergency medical services to the County’s citizens and visitors during weekday evenings, weekends and holidays. Prince William County’s volunteer fire and rescue departments are seeking motivated individuals who have the desire to make a difference and provide an important service to their community. Learn more now.