As October brings colder weather, it’s also a reminder to check your smoke alarms. New Mexico State University's Fire Department is participating in National Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” NMSU encourages you to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every month to ensure they are in proper working condition. If you don’t have these in your home off campus, we strongly advise you to invest in these items.
Smoke alarms:
- A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 911and stay out.
- A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
Carbon monoxide alarms:
- A continuous set of four loud beeps — beep, beep, beep, beep — means carbon monoxide is present in your home. Go outside, call 911 and stay out.
- A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced.
- Carbon monoxide alarms also have “end-of-life” sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means it’s time to get a new alarm.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
Always notify the fire department in case of emergency and when your smoke detector or carbon monoxide alarm is activated. Call 911. Learn more about campus fire safety. For more information about Fire Prevention week, visit https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week.