BCFPD Wants Everyone to Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety

“Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety™” is the theme of this year’s National Fire Prevention Week (10/3 – 10/8), which emphasizes the importance of knowing what to do when your home’s smoke or carbon monoxide detector emits specific sounds. 

Each sound is a call to action.  Is the unit beeping?  Does it make an intermittent chirping sound?  Understanding what each sound means will help ensure your family’s safety.

So, listen up and make sure you and your family members are aware of these specific sounds:

Smoke Detectors

• A continued set of three loud beeps – BEEP, BEEP, BEEP – means smoke or fire.  Get out of the house immediately and call 911.
• A single “chirp” every 30 – 60 seconds means that the device’s battery is low and must be changed.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the unit is at the end of its operational life and must be replaced.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

• A continuous set of four loud beeps – BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP – means that CO is present in your home.  Get out of the house and call 911 immediately.
• A single chirp” every 30 – 60 seconds means that the unit’s battery is low and must be replaced.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the device is at the end of its operational life and must be replaced.
• CO detectors also emit “end of life” sounds that can vary by manufacturer. 

 Note: Many newer-model smoke and carbon monoxide detectors contain 10-year batteries designed to power the unit for the life of the device.  They do not need replacing.

We encourage BCFPD residents to visit the NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week website to access fire safety tip sheets; videos, games, and apps promoting fire safety; Fire Prevention Week background and history; and much more.  Or, visit the BCFPD’s Facebook page for information on Department operations and local fire safety initiatives.

Free Smoke Detectors for BCFPD Residents

All BCFPD residents are eligible to receive a free 10-year battery smoke detector, through a program administered by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and overseen by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.  BCFPD crews will also install the unit at no cost to residents.

To learn more, and to schedule an installation appointment, contact Battalion Chief Angela Grandgeorge (224-848-4875 or AGrandgeorge@bcfpd.us).