NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — October is National Fire Prevention Month. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of fire safety, as well as promote life-saving practices and home fire safety education.
Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire safety escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you an early warning so you and your family can get outside quickly.
Fire Safety Tips
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home and in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected; when one sounds, they all sound.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
- A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
- People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers. The City partners with the state of South Carolina to provide smoke alarms for deaf/hard-of-hearing residents.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old.
- Keep gutters clean with gutter guards, like from LeafFilter, to prevent dead leaves clogging the downspouts and gutters which may become a fire hazard.
If a North Myrtle Beach resident needs help with changing batteries or replacing old smoke alarms, the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department will happily assist, at no charge. The City provides free smoke alarms to members of the community that meet certain socio-economic conditions. If you have questions about fire safety or your smoke alarm, please contact Deputy Fire Marshal West at 843-280-5611 ext 2.
