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Below
are some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) presented to the Savage Fire Department.
If your question is not answered here, please call 952.882.2689.
Q. How
often should I check my smoke detectors?
A. Smoke
detectors should be checked monthly. For more information on smoke detectors, please go to our
smoke detectors page.
Q. Do
I need to clean my smoke detector?
A. Smoke
detectors should be cleaned once or twice per year. You can do this with the brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner.
NOTE: The detector may sound when you are cleaning it.
Q. Do
my smoke detectors ever need to be replaced?
A. Smoke
detectors have a normal life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. If you are getting false alarms from your detector,
it may need to be replaced. When having problems with your detector, always remember to check the battery.
Q. My
smoke detector light is glowing, do I still need to test it?
A. Electric
smoke detectors still need to be tested monthly. Testing the smoke detector can be a great time for your family to test
your fire escape plan!
Q. Should
I clean the chimney in my wood-burning fireplace or wood stove to help prevent chimney fires?
A. Yes.
Professional chimney sweeps advise that chimneys be cleaned when the creosote has built up to 1/8" to 1/4". This will
help prevent chimney fires. REMEMBER: The fireplace or wood stove is not an incinerator.
Do not burn trash or large amounts of paper (especially gift-wrap). The temperatures this can produce can damage
your fireplace or chimney.
Q. When
I clean the ash from my fireplace, is it necessary to put them in a metal container?
A. YES!
The Fire Department responds to 2 to 4 house fires every year because a homeowner has cleaned their fireplace or wood
stove and placed the ashes in a paper bag. Ashes can stay hot enough to start a fire for up to seven days. To be safe:
place your ashes in a metal container and leave them outside until you know they are cold (at least seven days). If you
dispose of the ashes in the trash, put them in the trash only after the seven days and then only when your can has been
moved to the curb for pickup.
Q. When
doing home refinishing projects, how should I dispose of rags used for staining?
A. Some
stains are capable of creating enough heat to start a fire as they dry (check the label). This is commonly known as spontaneous
combustion. Rags should be laid flat or hung to air dry. They can then be disposed of when completely dry.
Q. What
is the best way to display my address numbers?
A. Address
numbers are very important to emergency responders. Having address numbers visible is not only required, but will help
emergency personnel (fire, ambulance, or police) find your house. The numbers should be reflective or a color that contrasts
with the house. They should be near a light to help make them visible. Don't place them on the garage door as the door
may be raised when the numbers are needed. You should check that the numbers are visible from the street.
Q. When
can electric extension cords replace permanent wiring?
A. Extension
cords may only be used with portable appliances. They may not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
Q. What
appliances can produce carbon monoxide (CO) and how often should they be checked?
A. Carbon monoxide
(CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by improperly operating fuel-burning appliances (natural gas,
LP gas, fuel oil, kerosene, wood). CO can be deadly! All fuel burning appliances (such as furnaces and water heaters)
should be serviced yearly. Every dwelling unit should have a carbon monoxide detector. For more information on carbon monoxide and
carbon monoxide detectors, please go to our carbon monoxide page.
If
you have any questions for the Fire Department, please let us know. Others may have the same questions and we can
all learn from the answers. The Savage Fire Department can be reached at 952.882.2660 (City Hall).
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