<![CDATA[The Gardens Gazette​ - Fire Safety]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:00:06 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Fire Safety Topics]]>Wed, 20 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.thegardensgazette.org/fire-safety/fire-safety-topics
Prepare an apartment fire evacuation plan
Do you know what to do when the fire alarm in your apartment building sounds?For people who live in apartments or condominiums, the sound of the building fire alarm can be jarring and frightening. You may not know if there is an actual fire in the building or if your neighbor burned some toast and has left the front door open. Regardless, it’s important to take every alarm seriously and begin your escape plan quickly.

Do I stay inside my apartment or leave the building?
That depends. For people able to use stairs, you have a choice. You may evacuate using the stairs or seek shelter inside of an apartment.

Here are a few tips to help you be better prepared for a building fire alarm.

If you can evacuate, do so immediately.
  1. Leave your apartment.
  2. Close the door as you go.
  3. Use the stairs, not the elevator, to leave the building.
  4. Go to your building’s outside meeting place. Never wait on a balcony, building courtyard or rooftop.
  5. Wait for instructions. Do not re-enter the building until given permission.
Without delaying your escape, you may need to quickly grab a warm coat, phone, keys, ID, and anything you may need for the next couple of hours as you wait outside until it’s safe to re-enter the building. The Fire Department will call for a public bus for temporary shelter but in cold temperatures, you may need a warm coat until shelter is set up. Consider having a go-to kit set up before an actual fire emergency which contains a few essential items.

For people who can’t use stairs or can’t access a stairwell because of smoke in the hallway, shelter in place:
  1. Stay inside your apartment.
  2. Keep your doors and windows closed.
  3. Place a towel or clothing at the base of the door to keep smoke from entering.
  4. Stay inside near a large window and do not wait inside bathrooms or outside on decks.
  5. Call 911 if smoke comes into your apartment.
Make a plan before the next fire alarm sounds. Your plan should include all members of the household.

​Posted: 4//20/2023

]]><![CDATA[Smoke Detectors]]>Sun, 05 Jun 2022 21:11:49 GMThttps://www.thegardensgazette.org/fire-safety/smoke-detectorsSmoke Detectors at Arrowhead Gardens need to be serviced annually with a fresh 9V Backup Battery. Check the expiry dates on replacement batteries to make sure they have at least 2 years of life remaining.  

By replacing the battery annually, you are less likely to be woken in the middle of the night with an annoying low battery chirping sounds every 60 seconds.
Use new batteries that were purchased in past 12 months and have not been used before. If you have a battery tester, check the battery to make sure it is good.

Smoke detectors should be replaced 8 years after they are manufactured. There is a manufactured date on the back side of the smoke detector.  If a maintenance person is replacing your battery, ask him or her to check the date if you don't know what it is.

See user guide below for silencing low-battery chirps up to 13 hours.

APPROVED BATTERIES
Be sure to use battery makes and models that are approved by the manufacturer of the detectors in your apartment.

In the case of Kidde Firex i12060, the approved batteries are (Page 12) 
  • Carbon-zinc type EVEREADY 1222; GOLD PEAK 1604P OR 1604S, GOLDEN POWER G6F22M
  • Alkaline type ENERGIZER 522; DURACELL MN1604 OR MX1604; GOLD PEAK 1604A PANASONIC 6AM6, 6AM-6, 6AM-6PI, 6AM6X, AND 6LR61 (GA)
  • NOTE: Do not use lithium batteries in this unit.

OBSERVE BATTERY POLARITY
When you remove a battery for replacement, observe the orientation of the + positive and - negative contacts on the 9V battery and use the same orientation with the replacement 9V battery. If you install with the wrong polarity, the detector will probably make a warning sound immediately.

BATTERY TESTER
Checking your batteries with a battery tester can help prevent problems with a detector chirping overnight due to reduced voltage batteries that have been used or are not new.  See Amazon for an example of a battery tester.

ASSISTANCE
If you need assistance with replacing batteries annually, submit a workorder with the front office at Arrowhead Gardens. Request that your smoke detectors be cleaned while adding new batteries. See User Guide below for cleaning instructions. (Page 13)

User Guide Information for Kidde Firex i12060
 
Source: Kidde.com > PDF User Guide ​
​You might have noticed a pulsing red led on your smoke detector.
Kidde Firex i12060 has 4 red LED conditions: (Page 10)
  • every 40 seconds means normal operation; 
  • every 20 seconds means alarm memory activated; The memory will remain activated until pushing the Test/Hush Button resets it or will time-out between 11 to 13 hours
  • every 10 seconds means hush mode; The alarm can be put in hush mode while the air is being cleared from smoke.
  • every second while the alarm is sounding.

BATTERY INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL (Page 11)
Note: If battery carrier tamper resist feature has been activated it will need to be deactivated in order to change the battery. Refer to section 3 “Battery Carrier Tamper Resist Feature” for instructions. To replace or install the batteries press down on the battery carrier and then release to allow the carrier to pop open. The battery can then be pulled out of the carrier. When installing a new battery into the carrier, make sure the battery terminals are exposed and that the polarity matches the markings printed on the battery carrier. Completely press the battery carrier down into the alarm and release, the battery carrier will lock into the closed position. A missing or improperly installed battery will prevent the battery carrier from closing and result in improper alarm operation.


OPERATION AND TESTING OPERATION: (Page 9)
The smoke alarm is operating once A.C. power is applied, fresh batteries are installed and testing is complete. When the smoke alarm ionization chamber senses products of combustion, the horn will sound a loud (85db) temporal alarm until the sensing chamber is cleared of smoke particles.
HUSH CONTROL: The “HUSH” feature has the capability of temporarily desensitizing the alarm circuit for up to 8 minutes. This feature is to be used only when a known alarm condition, such as smoke from cooking, activates the alarm. The smoke alarm is desensitized by pushing the “TEST/HUSH” button on the smoke alarm cover. If the smoke is not too dense, the alarm will silence immediately. The red LED will illuminate for 1.5 seconds every 8-10 seconds while in hush. This indicates that the alarm is in a temporarily desensitized condition. The smoke alarm will automatically reset after approximately 8 minutes and sound the alarm if particles of combustion are still present. The “HUSH” feature can be used repeatedly until the air has been cleared of the condition causing the alarm. Pushing the Test/Hush button on the alarm will end the hush period. 

HUSH:
If the detector is sounding a low-battery warning chirp, you can silence the chirping for approximately 13 hours by pressing the TEST/HUSH Toggle button. For HUSH, press the button side nearest to the battery carrier.  The TEST side is nearest to the LED light.


NOTE: DENSE SMOKE WILL OVERRIDE THE HUSH CONTROL FEATURE AND SOUND A CONTINUOUS ALARM


TEST THE ALARM WEEKLY TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION. (Page 10)
Erratic or low sound coming from your alarm may indicate a defective alarm, and it should be returned for service (see Section 12 of the User Guide)

TESTING: (Page 10)
Test by pushing the Test/Hush button on the cover and hold it down for a minimum of 5 seconds. This will sound the alarm if all the electronic circuitry, horn and battery are working. In an interconnected installation all interconnected alarms should sound when the test feature on any one of the interconnected alarms is activated. If no alarm sounds, check the fuse or circuit breaker supplying power to the alarm circuit. If the alarm still does not sound, the unit has defective batteries or other failure. DO NOT use an open flame to test your alarm, you could damage the alarm or ignite combustible materials and start a structure fire.

CLEANING YOUR ALARM (Page 13)
YOUR ALARM SHOULD BE CLEANED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR
To clean your alarm, remove it from the mounting bracket as outlined in the beginning of this section. You can clean the interior of your alarm (sensing chamber) by using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner hose and blowing or vacuuming through the openings around the perimeter of the alarm. The outside of the alarm can be wiped with a damp cloth. After cleaning, reinstall your alarm, verify the green LED is on and test your alarm by using the Test/Hush Button. If cleaning does not restore the alarm to normal operation the alarm should be replaced.
Lessons Learned:
Lesson 1: Observe polarity as you remove the battery. Remember polarity.
    (Negative on a 9V battery is the receptacle. Positive is the plug. P for plug)
Lesson 2: Get a battery tester and use it.
Lesson 3: Don't change batteries if the battery is working and it was recently installed. Ask first.
Lesson 4: Use approved batteries that were purchased recently, not whatever came with the detector.
Lesson 5: Show people how to use the HUSH side of the HUSH/TEST button and inform them that it will quiet the chirping for 8 hours while they sleep. (I was able to push the HUSH button with a broomstick. HUSH side of the button is nearest the battery carriage. The TEST side of the button is nearest the LED. The toggle buttons are labelled but are damn near impossible to read.)
Lesson 6: Put a reminder on your calendar to replace batteries within a year.
     (Do it on a Monday so you have the whole week to ask for assistance to troubleshoot problems.)
Lesson 7: Have a fresh supply of approved 9V batteries in a baggy in the vegetable cooler.
Lesson 8: Nothing works the first time.
              (Corollary: You don't think good at 3am.)
Lesson 9: When all else fails, read the user guide.
        (The detector comes with one, but I prefer reading the online PDF.)
  Kidde.com > PDF User Guide
Product reviews of the Kidde Smoke Alarm i12060/A are available on Amazon as well as the Kidde.com website. The boxes say i12060 but the product in the box is i12060A. One improvement is the ability to HUSH the low-battery chirping for 10 hours.
]]><![CDATA[Apartment Fire Safety March 2022]]>Fri, 08 Apr 2022 19:45:37 GMThttps://www.thegardensgazette.org/fire-safety/april-08th-2022Prepare an apartment fire evacuation plan
Source: Seattle Fire Department Bulletin

The Seattle Fire Department responded to two apartment building fires recently – one in a three-story building and one in a high-rise building. In both fires, residents fled their apartments or sheltered in place for safety.
Do you know what to do when the fire alarm in your apartment building sounds?
For people who live in apartments or condominiums, the sound of the building fire alarm can be jolting and frightening. You may not know if there is an actual fire in the building or if your neighbor burned some toast and has left the front door open. Regardless, it’s important to take every alarm seriously and begin your escape plan quickly.
Do I stay inside my apartment or leave the building? That depends. For people able to use stairs, you have a choice. You may evacuate using the stairs or seek shelter inside of an apartment.
Here are a few tips to help you be better prepared for a building fire alarm.

If you can evacuate, do so immediately.
  1. Leave your apartment.
  2. Close the door as you go.
  3. Use the stairs, not the elevator, to leave the building.
  4. Go to your building’s outside meeting place. Never wait on a balcony, building courtyard or rooftop.
  5. Wait for instructions. Do not re-enter the building until given permission.

​Without delaying your escape, you may need to quickly grab a warm coat, phone, keys, ID, and anything you may need for the next couple of hours as you wait outside until it’s safe to re-enter the building. The Fire Department will call for a public bus for temporary shelter but in cold temperatures, you may need a warm coat until shelter is set up. Consider having a go-to kit set up before an actual fire emergency which contains a few essential items.

For people who can’t use stairs or can’t access a stairwell because of smoke in the hallway, shelter in place:
  1. Stay inside your apartment.
  2. Keep your doors and windows closed.
  3. Place a towel or clothing at the base of the door to keep smoke from entering.
  4. Stay inside near a large window and do not wait inside bathrooms or outside on decks.
  5. Call 911 if smoke comes into your apartment.
Make a plan before the next fire alarm sounds. Your plan should include all members of the household.
Watch our latest Apartment Fire Evacuation video (in English and American Sign Language)
Contact us for fire safety presentations
The Seattle Fire Department's Education and Outreach team is now conducting in-person fire safety presentations. Send us an email for more information. fireinfo@seattle.gov
]]><![CDATA[Apartment Fire Safety February 2021]]>Thu, 11 Feb 2021 20:11:05 GMThttps://www.thegardensgazette.org/fire-safety/apartment-fire-safety-february-2021February 2021 Apartment Fire Safety
Burn Awareness Week:
​Electrical fire safety February 7-13, 2021 is National Burn Awareness Week and is sponsored by the American Burn Association. The theme for this year is electrical burns. One of the most common electrical fire issues we encounter involves the use of portable space heaters and extension cords. The two should never be used together. Always plug portable heaters directly into an outlet. 
​Here are a few safety tips to prevent injuries at home.
More electrical fire safety information from the NFPA
Heating Fire Safety
As cold weather hits the Seattle area this week, our heaters will be working extra hard to keep us warm. Heating is the second leading cause of home fires. Each year, the Seattle Fire Department responds to hundreds of heating-related fires. 
Heaters need space. One of the most common heating issues is related to combustibles that are too close to heaters. The Seattle Fire Department recommends one foot clearance between baseboard heaters and all combustibles, including curtains, furniture, books, and beds. Space heaters need three feet clearance and should never be plugged into an extension cord.
Heating safety information from the USFA
For questions or more information, contact the Seattle Fire Department.
Virtual apartment fire safety presentations
The Seattle Fire Department is providing free virtual fire safety presentations to apartment residents and staff. Presentations for residents cover how to respond to a building fire alarm, what to do if a fire starts inside an apartment, and how to prevent and respond to a cooking fire on the stove. Staff members can learn the ways to assist the fire department before and during a fire emergency. 
For more information or to schedule a presentation contact Public Affairs.
Seattle Fire Department
301 2nd Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-386-1400 
YouTube
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