Time to Test Your Smoke Alarms

We would like to remind you to test your smoke alarms. Remember... a smoke alarm with a dead battery or no battery is the same as having no alarm at all!!!

If your house has 10-year lithium smoke alarms, just take a moment to test your alarms to make sure they're all working correctly.

Depending on how your smoke alarm is powered (9-volt, 10-year lithium, or hardwired), you'll have to maintain it according to manufacturer's instructions. Here are some general guidelines for smoke alarm maintenance from the United States Fire Administration (USFA): http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/index.shtm

Smoke alarms powered by a 9-volt battery:
* Test alarms monthly.
* Replace the batteries at least once a year.
* Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years.

Smoke alarms powered by a 10-year lithium (or "long life") battery:
* Test alarms monthly.
* Since you can't and shouldn't replace the lithium battery, replace the entire smoke alarm unit according to manufacturer's instructions.

Smoke alarms that are hardwired into the home's electrical system:
* Test alarms monthly.
* Replace the backup battery at least once a year.
* Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years.

For more safety tips, visit Safe Start Baby

Protecting Children from Window Falls

Springtime Window Dangers??
Protecting Children from Window Falls

The winter hibernation has finally come to an end, bringing warmer weather and fresh breezes. During this season, Safe Start Baby wants to remind you that while Spring brings fresh air and outdoor fun, it is also the time of year when window injuries and deaths are at their highest. Prevent injury and follow these important window safety tips:

Avoid placing furniture near windows to prevent children from climbing.

Don't rely on insect screens to prevent window falls. These screens are designed to provide fresh air while keeping bugs out. They are NOT designed to prevent a child's fall from a window and can pop out with as little as 1-pound of pressure!

Install window stops designed to limit how far a window will open or window barriers that block the window completely. Windows should open no more than 3 ½”. Your window guards should be designed with a quick release to allow escape in the event of a fire.

Keep windows locked and closed when they're not being used.

Keep children away from windows and patio doors when playing.

Supervise children at all times, especially around open windows.

A fall from a window can happen in a matter of seconds and the consequences can be devastating. Don’t wait for a tragedy, practice window safety today!

About Safe Start Baby: Safe Start Baby services the Metro DC area & offers babyproofing installations, in-home assessments, babyproofing products, CPR training & an on-line webstore. Call today for a free phone consultation. Special Offer: book an assessment and mention ADCAN to receive free window guards for the nursery (for standard windows).

To reach us, call Safe Start Baby at 888.240.7233, or visit our website at www.safestartbaby.com. Safe Start Baby is a proud member of the IAFCS.