Home Safety

What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy?
Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle class A-B-C fires. They are designed to extinguish fires that usually occur in homes, including wood, paper, flammable liquids and electrical fires. To care for your fire extinguisher, once a year flip it over and gently hit the bottom of it with a rubber mallet until you feel the weight shift the extinguishing agent that will settle at the bottom of the canister over time. A fire blanket is also a great fire prevention item to keep in the kitchen.

How do I dispose of an expired fire extinguisher?
If you have a fire extinguisher that has been used or has expired, you can dispose of the extinguisher by dropping it off at the Nevada County Waste Management Transfer Station - Hazardous Waste. The Fire District does not refill or dispose of used fire extinguishers.

My fire alarm is beeping, can the fire department come fix it?
A fire alarm beeping without smoke usually means a low battery, dust/insects in the sensor, high humidity, or the unit is old (needs replacement after 7-10 years). To fix it, first identify the specific alarm, then replace the battery (even for hardwired units with backups), clean the sensor with compressed air, and if the issue persists or it's an old unit, replace the whole device as it's likely at its end-of-life.

PVFPD does not have the resources to repair or replace smoke alarms, with a quick google search it is easy to find professionals in the area to assist with smoke alarm.

Do I really need a large address sign?
For emergency assistance, use reflective, high-contrast address signs with large numbers (3-6 inches) placed visibly at the end of your driveway and near the house, illuminated if possible, ensuring they're readable from both directions by emergency responders. Key options include vertical/horizontal signs, mailbox-mounted signs, solar-powered units, or monument signs at driveway entrances, especially crucial for long or shared driveways, to quickly guide police, fire, and EMS to your location.

Why should I have a Vial (File) of Life or DNR accessible in my home?
The Vial or File of Life is a plastic container like the medicine that comes in. It has forms for you to list important medical information for one or all people in the household. Fill out the forms that come in the vial completely and place the forms back into the vial. Vial of Life is available at fire stations.

"DNR" most commonly refers to a "Do Not Resuscitate" order in a medical context, or a state-level Department of Natural Resources in the United States. If you have a “DNR” a copy should be with your Vial of Life so First Responders know how your want a medical emergency handled.