[blueeagle65]

I had a smoke detector today that wouldn't stop chirping even though I had just installed a new battery. A trip to my local ACE Hardware educated me that the detectors do indeed have a typical life of 5-6 years and the chirping one was eleven years old! Next time batteries are changed I guess I'll check the detector dates and change the out of date ones, too.

[Villager Joyce]

Good info. Thanks.

[annaconner]

The fire service will install batteries/smoke detectors if you supply them.

[dirtbanker]

Originally Posted by annaconner

The fire service will install batteries/smoke detectors if you supply them.

Will they drive the big red truck over and leave it running out front?

[redwitch]

Originally Posted by dirtbanker

Will they drive the big red truck over and leave it running out front?

Sometimes, yup. Best is tell em the carbon monoxide detector won't shut off. They'll come with lights and sirens.

[DangeloInspections]

The NFPA recommends that all smoke detectors be replaced every ten years. Because they do such an important job for a relatively low price, it makes good sense to do so.

I recommend considering one of the newer photoelectric or photoelectric/ionization detectors. They cost a bit more but statistically have been shown to be better than the older ionization only alarms.

As to the comment about the fire truck, In my "old life" as a career firefighter/medic we would hear this a lot. What some folks did not understand is that we did not have "extra firefighters" who could come to your home in a smaller car. We needed to keep a crew together, so if there WERE a fire we would be all together to respond directly to the fire. This is also a good opportunity for the crew to get driver and street training, etc.

If it were MY house that were on fire, or ME needing CPR, I would not want the firefighter to have to hurry back to the firehouse to get his/her gear, equipment and truck before responding to my house.

Frank

[dplars]

Try a Q tip with rubbing alcohol to clean the led and receptor. This was/should be a yearly maintenance of smokes

[dirtbanker]

Originally Posted by DangeloInspections

As to the comment about the fire truck, In my "old life" as a career firefighter/medic we would hear this a lot. What some folks did not understand is that we did not have "extra firefighters" who could come to your home in a smaller car. We needed to keep a crew together, so if there WERE a fire we would be all together to respond directly to the fire. This is also a good opportunity for the crew to get driver and street training, etc.

If it were MY house that were on fire, or ME needing CPR, I would not want the firefighter to have to hurry back to the firehouse to get his/her gear, equipment and truck before responding to my house.

Frank

Anyone have any idea what the lead time is for a firetruck in central Florida? I mean they just don't seem to have a dealer lot with several choices available, difficult to replace one quickly if it has been damaged, or totaled, in an accident while joy riding (accidents are not planned).

Why anyone would leave a firetruck running, putting unnecessary wear & tear on engine along with the added emissions, it appears they just don't give a damn about the environment or the money being wasted (all though I doubt they leave their personal vehicle running at the firehouse while they are on duty, or do they...)

Wonder if it would make sense that; the person running a work related errand (like looking at car washing supplies at Home Depot?) took the smallest vehicle (the little pickup truck?) to do the errand. Of course, the person would put his gear on the firetruck prior to leaving for the errand (or take it with him in the small truck!). IF a call came in; the person running the errand could meet the fire truck (and the rest of his crew!) at the scene.