Crime & Safety

MV Reminds Residents of Importance of Smoke, Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The following was submitted for publication by the city of Mill Valley: 

Smoke Alarms Save Lives 

National Fire Protection Association reports in 2007-2011, smoke alarms sounded in half of the home fires reported to the U.S. fire departments. 

Three out of five fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. The risk of dying in reported home structure fires is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing, disconnected, or dead batteries. 

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. 

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Your ability to get out depends on advance warning from smoke alarms, and advance planning - a home fire escape plan that everyone in your family is familiar with and has practiced. For information on What you should know about Smoke Alarms, Smoke Alarms Safety tips and Smoke Alarms for People who are Hearing Impaired Safety tips.


Carbon Monoxide Alarms Required 

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As of July 1, 2011, the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill 183) requires all single-family homes with an attached garage or a fossil fuel source to install carbon monoxide alarms. For information on Carbon Monoxide Safety tips

If your alarm sounds call 911 or Fire Department non-emergency 415/389-4130. Mill Valley Fire Department has created a list of Frequently Asked Questions on Carbon Monoxide (C0) Devices and for an approved list of devices provided by the California State Fire Marshal's Office. 

For installation follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement and mounting height. 

Home Escape Plan 

Plan Ahead!  If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Escape Planning Tips and Home Evacuation Plan


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