LCC honored
Members of the Spirit AeroSystems Information Technology team recently recognized Lenoir Community College for its collaboration with the installation of Spirit AeroSystems’ new state of the art videoconferencing technology allowing the facility in Kinston to connect to the world.
LCC Director of Distance Education Jo Wilson and LCC Director of Industry Training Bobby Merritt were recognized for their assistance with the project.
Others on hand were LCC Vice President of Continuing Education Jay Carraway, LCC Vice President of Academic and Student Services Deborah Grimes, Spirit AeroSystems IT Program Manager Randy Weiss, Spirit AeroSystems IT Team Leader Curtis Rupke, Spirit AeroSystems Executive of Site Service Don Blake and LCC President Brantley Briley.
Home Solutions: Smoke alarms save lives
A smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke.
National Fire Protection Association statistics say almost two-thirds of home fire deaths are in properties without working smoke alarms. The many brands on the market fall under two basic types — ionization and photoelectric.
One is not better than the other because they detect different kinds of potentially fatal fires. For this reason and because no one can predict what type of fire might start in a home, the US Fire Administration recommends that every place where people sleep be equipped with both or with dual sensor smoke alarms, containing ionization and photoelectric sensors.
Some alarms are made to meet the needs of the hearing impaired, by using strobe lights or vibrations.
Smoke alarms are powered by battery — a disposable 9-volt or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium (“long-life”) — or are hardwired into the home’s electrical system, with a backup battery.
Smoke alarms are not expensive. Ionization and photoelectric ones cost between $6 and $20; dual sensor ones between $24 and $40.
Install smoke alarms on every level of the home. Many fatal fires begin late at night or early in the morning, and smoke and many deadly gases rise, so installing alarms inside and outside of sleeping areas and at proper heights is recommended.
Alarms work only when properly installed and maintained, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
The 9-volt alarm should be tested monthly, replacing batteries once a year and the entire unit every 8-10 years.
The 10-year lithium should be tested monthly, replacing the entire unit according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Hardwired alarms should be tested monthly, with backup battery replaced at least once per year and the entire unit replaced every 8-10 years.
Source: usfa.fema.gov
Trudy W. Pickett is extension family and consumer agent at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Office, 1791 N.C. 11/55. Reach her at 252-527-2191 or trudy_pickett@ncsu.edu.