Spring

Change your Clock, Change your Detector!

When you Spring Ahead this year, consider changing out your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The Hanover Park Fire Department recommends upgrading to the latest model of detectors. Recently, the state of Illinois has changed the law for new detectors to have a ten-year battery life that reduces the need to change out batteries. Consider upgrading your in-home smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to the latest models to comply with this new law. 

There are several reasons that can cause your detector to activate. Low battery, replace alarm, smoke or carbon monoxide has been detected. Be sure to familiarize yourself and your family on the meaning of the alarm. 

For more information on the Smoke Detector Act, Click Here.

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Protect What Matters Most

There's no place like home. It is a place to relax, share laughs with family, and enjoy home cooked meals. But did you know that the majority of fire deaths occur in the home? Help everyone in the home to stay safe from fire. Have you considered registering your family with Smart911? This program helps inform public safety of any extra medical needs before we arrive. 

This is a free and confidential service to help first responders when you call 911. Completing a profile will provide first responders with important information to help you when you call 911. The information can include photos of your children, special needs and medical information, current location. This service is appropriate for Premise Alert Program users. You can even register your pets. Click here to register for Smart 911.

The Rundown on Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers typically last about 10-12 years. If you are unsure how old your fire extinguisher is or inherited one in a new property, replacing it is the safest option.

Visually inspect your fire extinguisher to determine if it needs replacement. Confirm that it is placed in a readily accessible area and that it has an up-to-date inspection tag. Next, look for damage or disrepair. The hose, nozzle, handle and locking pin should all be in place and have no cracks or damages. 

The pressure gauge should be in the green section, indicating the fire extinguisher is fully pressurized. Minor damages or factory errors could cause fire extinguishers to release pressure over time, which diminishes its effectiveness in an emergency.

Signs your fire extinguisher should be replaced include:

  • Pressure gauge displays in the yellow or red section. If there is no pressure gauge, the unit should be replaced.
  • Outer damage such as a broken handle, cracked nozzle, split hose or a missing locking pin.
  • Missing inspection and maintenance sticker or tag.
  • The fire extinguisher is more than 10 years old.
  • The fire extinguisher has been used.

Most fire extinguishers can only be used once. Some models are rechargeable and can be serviced by a professional after each use. However, many people do not have access to the equipment necessary to refill and repressurize a fire extinguisher. In that case, the extinguisher must be properly recycled. For additional locations, see the SWANCC site. 

Visit our Fire Extinguisher Basics page to learn more about how to choose, use, dispose and replace your fire extinguisher.

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Fire Extinguishers Can Be Lifesavers

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives, put out a small fire, or contain the fire until the Fire Department arrives. Unfortunately, portable fire extinguishers have limitations. Do you know the difference in fire extinguishers for the type of fires? Portable fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fires they are designed to extinguish.  There are five basic classifications of fuel and extinguishers, and extinguishers are labeled with either letter-shaped or pictorial symbols that indicate what types of fires they are intended for. 

 

Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher?

It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for PULL, AIM, SQUEEZE and SWEEP.

P = Pull out the safety pin.  A small pin on the device will let you discharge the extinguisher.  You must pull it out to break the tamper seal before moving on to the next step.  Do not pull it until you aim the fire extinguisher correctly.

A = Aim at the base.  You have to aim at the base of the fire because it's the source of the burning. Aiming anywhere else will not be successful.  This is where oxygen adds to the temperature and adds fuel, causing the flames.

S = Squeeze the handle of the extinguisher that the pin was removed from.  This will release the extinguishing agent.  Squeeze handle slowly and evenly so that it works as effectively as possible.

S = Sweeping motion. Sweep the extinguisher hose from side to side as you squeeze.  Keep it pointed at the base of the fire the entire time you sweep until it's safely extinguished.  Cover all of the areas it may spread to as you sweep.

For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association.

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Clothes Dryer Safety

Doing laundry is most likely part of your everyday routine.  But did you know how important taking care of your clothes dryer is to the safety of your home?  With a few simple safety tips, you can help prevent a clothes dryer fire. 

Dryers should be prDryer Fireoperly grounded.  Check the outdoor vent flap to make sure it is not covered by snow.  Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn, like boxes, cleaning supplies, clothing, etc.  Clothes that have come in contact with flammable substances, like gasoline, paint thinner, or similar solvents, should be laid outside to dry, then can be washed and dried as usual.

  • Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
  • Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
  • Make sure you clean out the lint filter before or after each load of laundry.  Remove lint that has collected around the drum.  
  • Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
  • Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.  Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
  • Keep dryers in good working order.  Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional to make sure the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
  • Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
  • Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and don't overload your dryer.
  • Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed. Don't let this happen in your home!!

It is the goal of the Hanover Park Fire Department to protect our residents through sound fire prevention.  If you have questions, please call the department at 630-823-5800.