Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue

2 hours ago

The best and easiest time to change your smoke alarm batteries is during daylight saving time changes (when you "spring forward" or "fall back"), or exactly once every year on a memorable date. Here are the optimal schedules and signs to look out for:

📅 The Recommended Schedule
• Standard Alkaline Batteries (9V, AA, or AAA): Replace them at least once a year. Many safety organizations suggest doing it twice a year when you reset your clocks for daylight saving time.
• 10-Year Sealed Lithium Alarms: Do not change these. These units have a non-replaceable battery designed to last the entire lifespan of the alarm. If it starts chirping, you must replace the entire smoke detector.

🚨 Critical Times to Change Them Immediately
• When it "chirps": A single, periodic beep every 30 to 60 seconds is the built-in warning that the battery power is critically low.
• When moving into a new home: Unless you know exactly when the previous owner replaced them, start fresh by putting in brand-new batteries immediately.

🛠️ Pro-Tip: The "Test" Routine
While batteries should be replaced annually, you should test the alarm monthly by holding down the test button until it lets out a loud beep. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, change the battery right away regardless of the calendar date. ... See MoreSee Less

Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue

13 hours ago

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Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue

14 hours ago

Here are essential Halloween safety tips to keep children, families, and drivers safe:

Costume Safety
• Be seen: Choose bright or light-colored costumes, and add reflective tape or stickers to outfits and treat bags.
• Light the way: Have kids carry flashlights or glow sticks.
• Improve vision: Use face paint or non-toxic makeup instead of masks that can block peripheral vision. Skip non-prescription decorative contact lenses, which can damage eyes.
• Prevent trips: Pick the right size costume and avoid long, trailing fabric that can cause falls.
• Check props: Ensure toy weapons like swords, wands, or pitchforks are flexible with smooth or rounded tips.
• Fire resistance: Look for costumes labeled as flame-resistant.

Trick-or-Treating & Walking Safety
• Supervision: Accompany children under the age of 12. Older kids should stay in groups and follow a pre-established route with a set curfew.
• Use sidewalks: Stick to sidewalks and well-lit areas. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the far edge of the road facing traffic.
• Cross safely: Cross only at corners and marked crosswalks. Make eye contact with drivers, look left-right-left, and never dart out from between parked cars.
• Golden rules: Never enter a stranger's house or get into an unknown vehicle. Only visit homes with a turned-on porch light.

Candy & Food Safety
• Inspect treats: Check all candy in a well-lit area before anyone eats it.
• Throw out suspicious items: Discard any unwrapped items, homemade goods, or commercial wrappers with tears, pinholes, or discoloration.

Home & Decoration Safety
• Clear paths: Sweep leaves, garden hoses, toys, and other obstacles off walkways and steps to prevent trips.
• Safe lighting: Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks inside jack-o'-lanterns instead of real flames. Keep decorations away from heaters and open fires.

Driver Safety
• Slow down: Reduce your speed and watch out in residential neighborhoods where children may cross unexpectedly.
• Stay alert: Watch out for dark clothing at twilight, check driveways carefully, and avoid all distractions. ... See MoreSee Less

Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue

14 hours ago

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