 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
FIRE SAFETY INFORMATION 
National Fire Protection Association "Know When To Go! React Fast To Fire" Each year there are thousands of fire deaths and injuries. Many occur because people don't realize how quickly fire can spread and how deadly smoke can be, so they fail to take immediate action when they hear an alarm. This year's theme - "Know When to Go! React Fast to Fire! - encourages people to appreciate the lethal power of fire and respond instantly to fire's early warnings. Home Smoke Detectors The majority of fatal fires happen at night when people are asleep. Contrary to popular belief, the smell of smoke may not wake a sleeping person. The poisonous gases and smoke produced by a fire can numb the senses and put you into a deeper sleep. Inexpensive household smoke detectors sound an alarm, alerting you to a fire. By giving you time to escape, smoke detectors cut your risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half. Smoke detectors save so many lives that most states have laws requiring them in private homes. Choosing a Smoke Detector Be sure that the smoke detectors you buy carry the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Several types are available. Some run on batteries; others run on household current. Some detect smoke using "ionization" sensor; others use a "photoelectric" detection system. All approved smoke detectors, regardless of type, will offer adequate protection provided they are installed and maintained properly. How Many Should I Have In My House? Every home should have a smoke detector outside each sleeping area and one on every level of the home, including the basement. NFPA also recommends that additional smoke detector be installed in living rooms, dens or family rooms, dining rooms, utility rooms and hallways. Where Do I Install Smoke Detectors Because smoke rises, mount detectors high on a wall or on the ceiling. Wall mounted units should be mounted so that the top of the detector is 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. A ceiling mounted detector should be attached at least 4 inches from the nearest wall. Do not install smoke detectors too near a window, door, or forced air-register where drafts could interfere with the detectors operation. Carefully follow the manufacturers instructions when installing your smoke detector. How Do I Maintain My Smoke Detector To insure that your smoke detector will operate properly when needed, regular maintenance is a "must". Here are a few suggestions to keep your detector in proper working condition. 1) Remember: Only a functioning smoke detector can protect you. NEVER disable a smoke detector by "borrowing" it's battery for another use. 2) Test your smoke detector monthly and replace batteries if necessary. A "chirping" sound is an indicator that the battery is low. 3) Clean your smoke detectors using a vacuum without removing the detector's cover. 4) Never paint any part of a smoke detector. 5) Smoke detectors don't last forever. Replace any smoke detector that is more than 10 years old. The Downey Fire Department is working hard to keep our citizens fire safe. Please help us by sharing this information with your friends, family and neighbors. If you should have any questions regarding fire life safety, please give us a call at (562) 904-7345. Central Sprinkler Corporation Conducts Investigation on Omega Sprinkler Head Historical Background The "Omega" series of sprinklers have been installed in automatic fire sprinklers systems in Southern California and throughout the country since 1983. They were developed to meet the residential and quick response markets. There are approximately 17 different models of the Omega series that are installed, mostly in the pendent or sidewall position. Only the PROTECTOR M model may be installed in the upright position. Central estimates that there are about 8 million Omega sprinklers in service. The Downey Fire Department is requesting that all Downey businesses and residential property owners check the make of all sprinkler heads installed on their systems. Identification The Omega sprinkler can easily be identified by the 3 thin round metal heat collector disks, part of the operating element. The AC model is a concealed sprinkler and may easily be confused with other sprinklers with the cover plate in place. Installations Where would one expect the Omega sprinklers to be installed? By far, the largest single type of sprinkler installed in residential occupancies (single family, apartment, hotels, motel, and congregate care) is the Omega Pendent and Sidewall Residential sprinkler. Probably 80-90% of all residential is Omega.These sprinklers were also most likely to be found in offices, schools, computer rooms, hospitals, retail stores, strip malls, electronic equipment manufacturing, and other occupancies having smooth finished ceilings. One model was specifically designed for institutional occupancies such as correctional and mental health facilities. The Problem The first non-activation of an Omega sprinkler resulting from a fire occurred in May of 1995 in a hotel guest room. Two other failed activation's occurred in a medical center and a juvenile detention center. These all occurred in eastern or midwestern communities. The most recent fire where an Omega failed to activate was an apartment building in West Hollywood in January of 1997.A rubber O-ring has been blamed for preventing the discharge of water. The O-ring, which is part of the operating element, has expanded, and has prevented the plunger from dropping. Factory Mutual considers buildings having Omega sprinklers as "impaired" fire protection. Central Sprinklers Actions Central Sprinkler will test representative samples. They have instructions for removing Omega Sprinklers on a Change-Out Procedure sheet. The Omega O-ring was changed to a silicon based O-ring in June of 1996. These new sprinklers are identified with a red dot on the pin holding the heat collection disks. Central also has a retrofit kit, a spring-type collar that can be slipped over an existing sprinkler without shutting down the system or removing the sprinkler. The spring collar is intended to assist the operating element to slide open and deliver water. Recommendations UL has established a toll-free number (800)758-1794 to help homeowners, property owners and building managers arrange for samples of Central Sprinklers Company's "Omega" series sprinklers to be sent to UL for tasting and/or to provide related information on this issue. Callers can speak directly with UL representatives Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30p.m., Central time. Sprinklers can also be sent directly to Central Sprinkler Company by first calling (800) 523-6512. If you should have further questions, please call the DowneyFire Department at (562) 904-7348. You may also obtain additional information by visiting UL's Web site at www.ul.com/regulators/sprinklers/omegav5n4.htm Every Chimney Needs An Annual Check Up Many people think their chimneys only need to be cleaned and inspected if they burn wood in their fireplaces or wood stoves. However, almost all homes heating systems rely on the chimney to safely carry toxic gases out of the house. While a carbon monoxide detector can warn homeowners of potential poisoning after the deadly gas has entered the living area, an annual chimney "check-up" can help prevent carbon monoxide from entering the home in the first place. An annual chimney inspection by a Certified Chimney Sweep is a small cost that can deter the danger of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are a few chimney safety tips you should consider before using your fireplace this winter.
|
| CITY GOVERNMENT | BUSINESS | RESIDENTIAL | VISITOR | CONTACT US | SITE MAP | HOME |
|
