Fire Safety FAQ Question: Are smoke detectors really that important? Answer: Absolutely! Smoke detectors save lives and are extremely effective when families are sleeping. Did you know that your sense of smell does not work when you are asleep? It's true. In order to rouse people from their slumber, a loud noise or a bright light must be employed. If there were a fire in your house when you were sleeping, if you didn't have a working smoke detector, you might never wake up. Smoke detectors are inexpensive and they can save your life. Take a look at our Smoke Detector Program if you are unable to install or obtain smoke detectors for your self.
Question: What kind of maintenance do I need to perform on a smoke detector? Where do I install a new detector? Do the detectors ever need to be replaced? Answer: These are all good questions. First of all, you should test your smoke detector once a month to make sure that it is functioning properly. For most smoke detectors, this means just pushing the button on the detector. Also, you should change the batteries twice a year (if your detector is not hard-wired into the structure's electrical system). A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries in your smoke detectors when you change your clocks forward and back for daylight savings time. Installing smoke detectors is rather easy. Try to find a place on a ceiling to install a smoke detector (remember, smoke rises). If a ceiling doesn't work, you can install a smoke detector on the wall, but the top of the detector should be no closer to the ceiling than 4" and it should be no lower than 12". If the detector is located on the wall and it is outside of this 4" to 12" window, it may not pick up the smoke until it is too late. Lastly, smoke detectors do have a life, although nobody is positive as to how long they truly last. A good rule of thumb is to replace your smoke detectors every 10 years.
Question: I've heard a lot about Carbon Monoxide (CO). Is it really that bad? If so, what can I do about it? Answer: Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a silent and deadly killer. CO is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. If it is in your house, you may never know it until it is too late. For your protection, the Fire Department recommends that you purchase CO detectors for your house. How many you need will depend on the design of your house. Make sure to have one in the basement, one by your sleeping area, and one by the garage. If you have a separate laundry room and you have a gas dryer, it is not a bad idea to have one in that room as well.
Question: I've been thinking about purchasing a fire extinguisher for my home. What kind of extinguisher should I buy? Where should I put them? Answer: The most all-purpose kind extinguisher is filled with a dry chemical, not too unlike baking soda. When you pick up a fire extinguisher, make sure that it is rated to extinguish Class A, B, and C fires. (A is ordinary combustibles, B is flammable liquids, and C is electrical fires.) In terms of good locations to keep them in your house, the kitchen is a good idea, as is the garage. If you have a basement, it probably would not be a bad idea to have one down there as well.
Question: Am I allowed to burn leaves, trash, or other items in the City? Answer: No. It is illegal to burn within the City of Waukesha unless you have a Burning Permit. These permits are limited to recreational and cooking fires. Given the density of the City's population. Burning outdoors cannot be allowed due to the risk of fire spread associated with the proximity of other houses. The smoke can also create a nuisance for other residents.
Question: I have other questions about home fire safety. Who should I call for help? Answer: Contact the City of Waukesha Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau at 524-3648 for additional assistance. | 
