Fire Safety- What are we lookng at?

Fire Safety - What are we looking at?Neighbors,

Here are some photos to help you distinguish the fire system components in our building.
The smoke alarm system: There are at least four in each unit. When one detects smoke, all will sound. The button is for testing.

These do not call for a general building evacuation alarm.

The smoke alarm has a battery for back-up. Batteries should be changed once per year. Change all of them at the same time. Mark the date of replacement on each with a Sharpie pen.

THE CONDO ASSOCIATION BOARD HAS ARRANGED FOR FREE REPLACEMENT OF OUR BATTERRIES. AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DATE IS FORTHCOMING.

The classic sprinkler head: These work on heat. They are a simple mechanical device. When the metal element melts, the water sprays.

When the water sprays, a general a evacuation alarm will sound. They are not connected to the smoke alarms.

The Strobe and Sounder will indicate a general evacuation alarm. If this goes off, you will hear it.

There is no way to silence it from your condo. The strobe will flash along with every other strobe in the building. Leave the building. This is the real thing. If you don't smell smoke, leave anyway. If you smell smoke it may be too late. Modern fire systems rarely falsely alarm. The fire company is on its way, when this trips.

The Fire Alarm Pull Box will sound a general evacuation and call the Fire Department. If you know a fire has begun, don't wait for the sprinkler head to do its job. Get help. Pull the box. These are located next to the stairway exits. Unlike the old pull boxes, there is no glass to break. Look around the building, Do you know where the closest one is? Where are they in the garage?

Fire Extinguishers are located in the hallway. Look for the one nearest your condo. If you need it, use it. It is usually better to pull the alarm box first then grab the extinguisher. You will also find several of them in the garage. Get familiar with their locations.

Elevators are not an option during an evacuation alarm. The elevators go straight to the lobby and lock-down. Read the sign near the elevator.

A Fire Extinguisher in you condo could save the day especially in a kitchen fire. Mount one close-by and where you see it everyday. Here is one mounted in the pantry closet, four steps away from the stove. You can buy these at Home Depot, Lowes, or any hardware store. Read the labels. Ask for help. An "A,B,C" Tri-class should be appropriate for most areas. Extinguishers with a "10- B C" rating is recommended for kitchens. (Don't get one too heavy too lift.)
"A" is for paper, wood, & trash. "B" is for liquid fires like grease. "C" is for electrical fire like a toaster fire.
see http://www.kiddeus.com/utcfs/Templates/Pages/Template-66/0,8070,pageId=4559&siteId=384,00.html for more information.

Please note that these comments are based my understanding of the building's fire system which may not be exact and also based on my understanding of common fire safety practice. When in doubt consult an authority on fire safety or the local Fire Marshall.

Sentry should be considered a knowledgeable source to answer your questions.
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Our local Authority is:
Cambridge, MD, FIRE & RESCUE COMPANY,
Jeffery O. Hurley, Sr., Chief (410) 228-1670; fax: (410) 228-4554e-mail: jhurley56@comcast.net
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