Fire Department urges residents to ‘learn the sounds of fire safety’

The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety is encouraging people to “learn the sounds of fire safety” as Fire Prevention Week approaches.

Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 3-9 and works to educate people about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe, like understanding the sounds of smoke alarms, what they mean and how to respond to them. The department is teaming up with State Farm and the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year’s campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.”

“What do the sounds mean? Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? Knowing the difference can save you, your home and your family,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at the National Fire Protection Association.

Local State Farm agents Liza Souza and Kit Okazaki recently donated a Fire Prevention kit to the Fire Department, which contains more than 500 items, including posters, magnets and activity books for children, plus safety brochures and newsletters for parents.

“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” said Souza. “When an alarm makes noise – a beeping sound or a chirping sound — children, too, must take action. Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond.”

The Fire Department shared the following safety tips:

≤ A continuous set of three loud beeps means smoke or fire. Get out, call 911 and 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.

≤ Make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

For more information, visit www.fpw.org.

MFD photo Maui County firefighter Merritt Kaufman (from left); State Farm agent Kit Okazaki; mascots Poke, Smokey and Sparky; agent Liza Souza and Maui firefighter Kellen Yap pose for a photo. Fire Safety Week runs from Oct. 3-9 to inform the public on what to do when they hear smoke alarm sounds.