The fire alarm is ringing, what should I do?

Post date: Oct 25, 2011 9:21:35 PM

First, try to identify the cause. Is there a fire or is it a false alarm?

1) If it's a fire, it is best to evacuate and close the door after you and call 911. Fires spread quickly and can easily overwhelm a victim. If you consider it small and you decide to put it out yourself, call 911 first and make sure you can leave; you may also use one of the fire extinguishers - there is one on each level, all for level A, B and C fires. In the basement, there is a fire extinguisher on the wooden post next to the stairs. There is also a fire extinguisher in the hallway corner next to the bathroom. Watch this FEMA video for instructions:

As shown, there are 4 types of fire:

• • A - common materials such as paper and wood

  • B - flammables liquids like gasoline and heating oil

  • C - powered appliances, computers

  • K - cooking oils and greases

Our fire extinguishers are rated for A, B, C fires, which means that they're good for virtually any fire except those caused by cooking oil and / or grease. Those however can be put out by placing a metallic lid on top of them - NEVER with water! Cooking oil fires can also be easily prevented by not leaving the stove when cooking.

Here's another instructional video:

PASS technique (simple way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher in case of fire):

• • Pull the pin

  • Aim at the base of the fire, 8-10 feet from the fire

  • Squeeze handles

  • Sweep across the fire so that it is covered

2) Luckily, most of the time the fire alarm rings it's been triggered by cooking vapor or by the dryer. If that's the case, press the "Hush" button, located closer to its center than the "Test" button which is located close to the margin. Try to eliminate the cause of the alarm - open the windows, ventilate under the alarm, close the door where steam is produced (i.e., the laundry room).