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Fire and Rescue

Posted on: May 1, 2019

LC-CFRS’s Smoke Alarm Program Coming to a Neighborhood Near You

NEWSFLASH LC-CFRS smoke alarm guy 2018

As we kick off the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System’s (LC-CFRS) new Smoke Alarm Program this Saturday, May 4, 2019, Loudoun residents will routinely observe fire and rescue personnel out in the community offering free smoke alarm inspections. The Smoke Alarm Program campaign will begin Saturday, May 4, and continue on the first Saturday of each month through October. On these designated days, crews from each of our fire and rescue stations will be canvassing Loudoun neighborhoods between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. offering free smoke alarm assessments and safety information. The #1 goal of the LC-CFRS Smoke Alarm Program is to ensure ALL Loudoun residents have an adequate number of working smoke alarms in their homes to alert them in the event of a fire.

“Modern homes burn up to eight times faster than those built between 1950 and 1970,” said System Chief Keith Johnson. “During a house fire, you only have an average of three minutes to escape your home. Smoke Alarms are crucial to alerting you to smoke and fire and providing you those precious minutes to escape. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by half!”

During the smoke alarm assessment firefighters will test existing smoke alarms, assist with battery replacement, ensure the alarms are not older than the ten year recommended lifespan, and provide valuable information about home escape planning and fire safety.

 Aside from these canvassing events, Loudoun residents can request a smoke alarm assessment at any time by completing the online smoke alarm assessment request form at www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms or by calling the Smoke Alarm Program hotline at 703-737-8093.

Not sure if you need a smoke alarm assessment? To ensure smoke alarms are operating properly, LC-CFRS recommends citizens follow these safety tips:

  • Test the smoke alarm each month by pressing and holding the test button.
  • Replace batteries based on manufacturer’s recommendations or sooner if it begins to chirp. Some alarms need a battery replacement each year, other alarms have a long life battery that lasts several years.
  • Replace smoke alarms after 10 years. Check the manufacture date on the back of the alarm, 10 years after that date they should be replaced.
  • For the best protection, smoke alarms should be located on the ceiling on every level, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom.
  • It is also recommended that smoke alarms are hardwired and interconnected, when possible.                 

For additional information regarding the LC-CFRS Smoke Alarm Program, please contact our Public Education Manager, Lisa Braun at 703-737-8093 or by email. Obtain more fire and life safety information at www.loudoun.gov/fire and follow us on social media for important fire and rescue news, safety tips, and events.

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