Maintenance; Fire Safety In The Home; Household Fire Safety Audit; Family Escape Planning - DSC PC1500 Instruction Manual

Maintenance

With normal use, the system requires minimum maintenance. The following
points should be observed.
1. Do not wash the keypad with a wet cloth. Light dusting with a barely damp
cloth should remove normal accumulations of dust.
2. The battery/bell test is designed to determine battery condition, however it
is recommended that the standby battery be replaced every three years.
3. For other system devices such as passive infrared, ultrasonic or microwave
motion detectors, glassbreak detectors or smoke detectors, consult the
respective manufacturer's literature for testing and maintenance.

Fire Safety In The Home

Most fires occur in the home and to minimize this danger it is recommended that
a household fire safety audit be conducted and a family escape plan be
developed.

Household Fire Safety Audit

1. Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition? Check for frayed
cords, over-loaded lighting circuits, etc. If you are uncertain about the
condition of your electrical appliances or household service, have a
professional evaluation.
2. Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a well
ventilated cool area? Cleaning with flammable liquids should be avoided.
3. Are fire hazardous materials (matches) well out of reach of children?
4. Are furnaces and wood burning appliances properly installed, clean and in
good working order? Have a professional evaluation.

Family Escape Planning

There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time it
becomes deadly. It is thus very important that a family escape plan be
developed and rehearsed.
1. Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.
2. Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house and
since many fires occur at night, special attention should be given to the
escape routes from sleeping quarters.
3. It is essential that escape from a bedroom be possible without opening the
interior door. Consider the following when making your escape plans:
• Make sure that doors and windows that open to the outside are easily
opened. Ensure that they are are not painted shut, and that their locking
mechanisms operate smoothly.
• If opening the exit or using the exit is too difficult for children, the elderly or
handicapped, plans for rescue should be developed. This includes
making sure that those who are to perform the rescue can promptly hear
the fire warning signal.
• If the exit is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope
should be provided as well as training in its use.
10