Close Before you Dose
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are essential in every household. Properly paced and functioning smoke detectors could save your life. Here are some tips for smoke detectors in your home….
- Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, just outside outside every sleeping area, on every level of the home (including the basement). Larger homes may require extra alarms.
- Test all smoke alarms once a month, at the very least.
- Many newly manufactured alarm are dual-purpose detectors. The most common ones detect both smoke and carbon monoxide.
- Smoke alarms should be kept on the ceiling or on the wall, as high as possible. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen or at least 10 feet away from the stove.
- Replace all smoke alarms after 10 YEARS.
Source: NFPA, Public Education, Smoke Alarms
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Carbon Monoxide, CO for short, alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
- Choose a CO alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Check the instruction manual for the manufacturer’s suggested placement height.
- Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel declare that it is safe to re-enter the home.
Source: NFPA, Public Education, Carbon Monoxide Alarms
811 Call Before you Dig
811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. If you plan on digging, you should call 811 or visit New Jersey’s 811 Center website several business days before digging. Once connected to an 811 representative, they will ask you a series of simple questions pertaining to your project. The same questions will be asked if you choose to fill out the online form. No matter which method you choose, you will be assigned a number and your respective utility company will contact you before you can safely dig.
Calling 811 before you dig is extremely important because gas lines and underground electric are buried just inches in the ground. If you or a contractor strike underground utilities, it could cause serious harm.
For more information call 811 or visit: www.call811.com