Fire Safety Starts at Home
At Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department, our mission is to protect the lives and property of Holden Beach, Varnamtown, and the surrounding communities we serve. While our crews stand ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, some of the most important steps in fire protection happen before an emergency ever occurs.
A working smoke alarm, a practiced escape plan, and a few simple safety habits can make the difference when seconds count.
🚨 Smoke Alarms Save Lives
Working smoke alarms provide critical early warning during a fire and give you and your family more time to escape.
Protect Every Level of Your Home
Install smoke alarms:
Inside every bedroom
Outside each sleeping area
On every level of the home, including the basement
In locations recommended by the alarm manufacturer
For the best protection, use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one alarm sounds, they all sound.
Test Them Monthly
Test every smoke alarm at least once a month using the test button.
Replace removable batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions or whenever the alarm signals a low battery. Never disable a smoke alarm or remove its battery to silence nuisance alarms.
Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years
Smoke alarms don't last forever. Check the manufacture date printed on the alarm and replace the entire unit when it reaches 10 years of age, or sooner if recommended by the manufacturer.
⚠️ Don't Forget Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly.
Homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, generators, or attached garages should have working carbon monoxide alarms.
Install CO alarms outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home, following the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Test CO alarms monthly and replace them according to the manufacturer's recommended service life.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move everyone to fresh air and call 911. Do not re-enter until emergency personnel tell you it is safe.
🏠 Have a Home Fire Escape Plan
A home fire can become dangerous in a matter of minutes. Everyone in your household should know how to get out quickly.
Know Two Ways Out
Identify at least two ways out of every room whenever possible, usually a door and a window.
Make sure windows and doors used for escape can be opened easily and are not blocked.
Choose a Meeting Place
Select a permanent meeting place a safe distance from the home, such as a mailbox, tree, or neighbor's driveway.
Everyone should know:
GET OUT. GO TO THE MEETING PLACE. STAY OUT.
Practice Your Plan
Practice your home fire escape plan at least twice each year, including with children and anyone who may need assistance.
Practice during both daytime and nighttime conditions.
Close Before You Doze
Whenever possible, sleep with bedroom doors closed. A closed door can help slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire and provide additional time to escape.
When escaping a fire, close doors behind you when you can do so safely.
🍳 Prevent Cooking Fires
Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires.
Stay With Your Cooking
Stay in the kitchen whenever you are frying, grilling, boiling, or cooking on the stovetop.
If you leave the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the burner.
Keep towels, paper products, food packaging, curtains, and other combustible materials away from the cooking area.
If a Pan Catches Fire
Do not carry a burning pan and never throw water on a grease fire.
If it can be done safely, turn off the heat and carefully cover the pan with a lid or baking sheet to smother the fire.
If the fire is spreading, producing heavy smoke, or you are unsure whether you can safely extinguish it:
GET OUT. STAY OUT. CALL 911.