Introduction
You’ve likely heard about Nextdoor, and you’re probably reading this to learn more about how you and your fellow firefighters around the county are using Nextdoor for Public Agencies, our free government interface, to build strong ties and trust with the neighborhoods they serve and to improve the effectiveness of their outreach, fire prevention, and community risk-reduction efforts.
The purpose of this engagement plan is to provide you with everything you need to know about how to get the most of our Nextdoor for Public Agencies so you can hit the ground running confidently. If we’ve left something out, leave a comment to let us know!
In this post, you will learn about how neighbors use Nextdoor in their neighborhoods; how firefighter are using Nextdoor for Public Agencies; what, where, how often to post message on Nextdoor and which staff to give access; key ingredients to delight residents, best practices to drive engagement, frequently asked questions, and helpful resources and how to get technical support; and finally, impactful messages to share with your residents on Nextdoor.
What is Nextdoor?
Nextdoor is the world’s largest social network for the neighborhood. Nextdoor enables truly local conversations that empower neighbors to build stronger and safer communities.
Building connections in the real world is a universal human need. That truth, and the reality that neighborhoods are one of the most important and useful communities in our lives, have been a guiding principle for Nextdoor since it was founded in 2011. Neighbors in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Australia are using Nextdoor.
Neighbors rely on Nextdoor to connect with their local communities and have conversations about everything from finding a local service provider to learning about a rash of break-ins. Unlike other social media platforms, Nextdoor was built from the ground up with the neighborhood in mind.
What makes Nextdoor different from other social platforms?
Nextdoor is Hyperlocal. Neighborhoods are founded by neighbors, with mapped boundaries.
Nextdoor is Private.Only members with a verified address may access their community’s Nextdoor neighborhood. Members are also required to use their real names
Nextdoor Useful.Recommendations, classifieds, events, crime & safety, and more!
What is Nextdoor for Public Agencies?
Nextdoor for Public Agencies, our free government interface, enables firefighters to build strong ties and trust with the neighborhoods they serve to improve the effectiveness of their outreach, fire prevention, and community risk-reduction efforts.
With access to Nextdoor for Public Agencies, firefighters can geo-target messages to specific neighborhoods or services areas, or their entire municipality improving the reach and efficiency of their outreach. Nextdoor members who are verified residents automatically receive communications.
Unique capabilities and differentiators:
Reach residents in the right places. Share information with whom it matters most by sending messages to targeted service areas and neighborhoods.
Engage in constructive conversations. Mitigate online “trolling” by ensuring residents are who they say they are — Nextdoor users must verify their address, use their real name, and adhere to community guidelines.
Drive positive outcomes offline. Solicit feedback, educate the community with interactive polls, and improve attendance at local events and training sessions.
Your peers in the Fire Service are using Nextdoor
- Cities: New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago
- Counties: Harris, Miami-Dade, and Sacramento
- And states, cities, and towns of all sizes
Not using Nextdoor for Public Agencies yet? Get started by applying for access at business.nextdoor.com/en-us/public-agency
What to post
We think about posts in two categories: 1) Inform & Educate and 2) Activate. We’ve broken out examples accordingly below.
Inform & Educate
As needed — post discussions about:
- Road closures
- Fire updates and recaps
- Fire weather and Red Flag warnings
- Emergency notifications
- Fire prevention tips
Educate via discussion posts:
- The leading causes of fire in the nation
- How to test your fire alarm
- Why you need an ABC fire extinguisher
- P.A.S.S — How to operate a fire extinguisher
- Why closing doors saves lives
- Where to get free or reduced price fire alarms
Educate via polls: See polls webinar recording
- Do you have a smoke alarm in each bedroom?
- Which option best describes the last time you tested your Smoke detectors?
- Do you have a carbon monoxide monitor?
- Did you know we do free home safety inspections?
- When you smell or see smoke, which should you do first?
Activate
As needed, post discussions to get neighbors to:
- Attend a local meeting, workshop or training
- Identify and report suspicious behavior and crime
- Become a member of a neighborhood watch
- Register for the Citizens Academy
As needed, post urgent alerts to:
- Shelter in place.
- Be on the lookout
As needed, post discussion and polls to gather intelligence:
- Did you observe someone walking down the street looking into vehicle windows and wiggling door handles?
- Submit video footage between certain times to…
How often to post and where?
Neighborhood —As often as you like/need to
Citywide/Countywide —Weekly
Statewide —Monthly (Please close discussions)
If there is a major announcement or incident, post as needed where needed
Which staff to give access?
PIOs, chiefs, deputy chiefs, life safety, and community risk reduction coordinators, and station commanders.
How to delight your residents with communication on Nextdoor
- Communicate with the aim to increase resilience and trust
- Think and communicate like a community organizer — Tell people what is happening, what you are doing about it, and tell them what they can and should be doing
- Communicate regularly and allow discussion. Do not close discussions by default.
- Geo-target communications so they are locally relevant
- Respond to questions as time allows and acknowledge breakdowns and appreciations
- Seek input, educate, and gather situational awareness with Nextdoor Polls for Public Agencies
Best practices to drive engagement
- Subject Line: Keep them short and sweet. Tell residents what is happening and where
- Tone: Write in a neighborly tone as if you were speaking to your neighbor
- Answer questions: Nextdoor members want to have a conversation with you; they don’t want you to push content at them and not allow them to respond or ask questions.
- Photos : Every post including polls should have a photo. Landscape images look better than portraits
- Videos: Add videos by including URL links to Vimeo, Youtube, or Facebook videos
- Attachments: Do not attach word documents. Save PDF’s as PNG’s to get more eyes on your content.
- Measure impact with the Content & Engagement report and by downloading polls results
Frequently asked questions about Nextdoor for Public Agencies
- Do people need to like/fan/subscribe to receive our posts? No, Nextdoor for Public Agencies is an opt-out platform, all members automatically receive your messages. Should they wish, they can unsubscribe from the agency or mute individual users.
- Can members start a conversation with us? No, communications are initiated by agency users.
- How can do residents interact with agency users? Residents see agency posts on their Nextdoor website or mobile app, as well as through email. Residents can thank and reply to agency posts, or send agency users private messages. If needed in profile settings, you can disable private messages.
- Do we have to monitor or moderate resident-to-resident conversations on Nextdoor? No, agency users cannot see information about residents or what they are discussing in their neighborhoods.
- Can we push a message out and not allow engagement? Yes, where applicable, you can prohibit replies. In most cases, we do not recommend doing this.
- Can we access Nextdoor for Public Agencies on our Mobile Device? Yes, you can log in from your mobile phone at nextdoor.com/login. The app is only available to residents.
- How is archiving handled? Our system archives all your posts for you, nothing is deleted. If you need it, we have a retrieval tool. In the future, we plan to offer an API for archiving vendors to use.
Resources and how to get support
- Agency resource center —https://business.nextdoor.com/en-us/public-agency
- Technical help center — https://nextdoorhelpcenter.force.com/s/
- Agency user community http://agencyforum.nextdoor.com
- Weekly training webinars — bit.ly/NextdoorGovWebinar
- End-user training manual — http://bit.ly/NDPAEnduser
- Administrator training manual — http://bit.ly/NDPAAdministrator
- Email support — agencysupport@nextdoor.com
- How to submit shapefiles — https://help.nextdoor.com/s/article/How-to-add-service-areas
Impactful messages to share on Nextdoor
Table of contents:
Your first post on Nextdoor:
- Introductory message
Powerful fire prevention posts:
- Poll: Which option best describes the last time you tested your smoke detector?
- Discussion post: Smoke detector polls results follow up
What should you do if you smell smoke or see fire or smoke? - Poll: Which option best describes the last time you and your family practiced your home escape plan?
- Discussion post: Fire escape poll recap follow up post
- Poll: Do you have a carbon monoxide alarm?
Discussion post: Carbon monoxide poll follow up - Poll: Does your home have a fire sprinkler system?
Home sprinkler system poll recap? - Poll: Do you have a carbon monoxide alarm?
- Discussion post: Carbon monoxide poll follow up
- Poll: Does your home have a fire sprinkler system?
- Discussion post: Did you know closing the door to your bedroom can save your life?
- Poll: Did you know that patios, terraces, screened-in porches, and courtyards are leading home locations for grill fires
- Discussion post: Grilling poll recap and grilling safety tips
Poll: Do you have portable fire extinguishers in your home and are they visible? - Poll: Do you what PASS means in reference to fire extinguishers?
- Poll: Did you know Kidde recalled fire extinguishers with plastic handles and push-button fire extinguishers?
- Discussion post: RECALL NOTICE: Kidde Models PI2010 and PI9010 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms
General public safety:
- Poll: Can YOU SEE your house numbers/address on your mailbox/house?
- Poll: Did you know you can sign up to receive urgent alerts from Nextdoor via text?
- Did you know Nextdoor will pay for and mail postcards for you to invite your neighbors whom you do not yet know?
Assessing the value of communications on Nextdoor:
- Poll: Since participating in our recent discussions and polls we’ve posted, which option best describes the actions you’ve to prevent fires?
Introductory message
Subject: Hello from the [Agency Name] Fire Department
Hello, neighbors!
My name is [Your Name] and I am the [Your Title] at [Agency Name] Fire Department. I am pleased to let you know that starting today, we will commence using Nextdoor’s free government interface. We’ll be using Nextdoor to share tips and resources to keep you, your family, and neighbors safe. Also, we will use Nextdoor to let you know when we offer training and when we host community meetings near you.
As a member of Nextdoor that lives in [City/County], you’ll automatically get our messages. If you no longer wish to receive our updates, you can manage your preferences here — http://bit.ly/NextdoorGovManage
Please keep in mind that your Nextdoor neighborhood network remains private to only you and your neighbors who are verified residents of your Nextdoor neighborhood network. We are NOT able to see what you and your neighbors are discussing, though we will receive your replies to our posts when discussions are enabled.
Note: We do not continually monitor Nextdoor, and you should NOT use Nextdoor to request emergency services. If you require emergency services, call 911. If you need to report a concern such as a car parking next to a fire hydrant, please call 311.
We look forward to working with you to make [City/County Name] an even safer for all.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Agency Name]
Fire prevention messages
Poll: Which option best describes the last time you tested your smoke detector?
For “Ask a question”: Which option best describes the last time you tested your smoke detector?
For “Add a poll description”: Please pick one option.
For “Add a choice” fields:
- Last month
- A few months ago
- Last year
- Years ago
- I have never tested my smoke detector
- I do not have a smoke detector
- Other (add a comment in the “reply” section below)
Discussion post: Smoke detector polls results follow up
Subject: Smoke detector poll results and what you need to know and do!
Photo — take a screen capture of the poll results
Neighbors,
Thank you to the [Number of poll votes] of you who took time to cast your vote and [Number of replies] of you who replied to my poll about the last time you checked your smoke detectors.
If you voted that you checked your smoke detector in the last month, which was [% of people who voted] of you, well done! All smoke detectors in your home should be tested monthly. We suggest that you add doing so to your calendars right now! To test your alarm, press the test button to be sure the alarm is working properly.
Here are easy to follow instructions on how to test your smoke detector — https://al.st/2IHs8mn
Should a smoke detector sound, get outside, call 911, and stay outside!
Smoke detectors that are correctly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries and save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast, and you need Smoke detectors to give you time to get out.
Did you know that:
- Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working Smoke detectors.
- Choose interconnected Smoke detectors, so when one sounds, they all sound.
- Put Smoke detectors inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Put alarms on every level of the home.
- Make sure your Smoke detectors work. Your family is not safe if they can’t hear the Smoke detectors.
- Test Smoke detectors every month and replace 9-volt smoke alarm batteries at least once every year.
- Smoke detectors do not last forever. Get new Smoke detectors every 10 years.
- When you hear a smoke alarm, you may have less than 2 minutes to get everyone outside and safe
If you have any questions or wish to share an experience, please do so by leaving a comment.
Until then, stay safe, and take care of yourselves and your neighbors!
Discussion post: What should you do if you smell smoke or see fire or smoke?
Subject: What should you do if you smell smoke or see fire or smoke?
Neighbors,
The first thing you should do if you smell or see smoke or fire, begin evacuation by pulling an alarm station closing doors behind you to contain the fire. Exit via stairwells only, DO NOT attempt to use elevators.
Then, if it is safe to do so call 911 and give the dispatcher the exact location of the fire and any other information you may have about the fire.
If you get caught in heavy smoke, take short breaths, crouch down or crawl and if the fire or smoke keeps you from exiting the building, go to a room far away from the fire, shut the door, open or break open a window and signal for help.
Once outside a safe distance from the building, return to the building only when instructed to do so by emergency personnel.
Poll: Which option best describes the last time you and your family practiced your home escape plan?
PDF — Save as a PNG to post on Nextdoor.
For “Ask a question”: Which option best describes the last time you and your family practiced your home escape plan?
For “Add a poll description”: Please pick one option and if you’ve learned any lessons please share them below as a comment.
For “Add a choice” fields:
- Last month
- A few months ago
- Twice a year
- Last year
- Years ago
- We have never practiced
- We don’t have an escape plan
- Other (add a comment in the “reply” section below
Discussion post: Fire escape poll recap follow up post
Photo — take a screen capture of the Poll results
Subject: Home escape poll results and what you need to know and do!
Neighbors,
Thank you to the [Number of poll votes] of you who took time to cast your vote and [Number of replies] of you who replied to my poll about the last time you and your family practiced your home escape plan.
If you voted that you practiced your Fire Escape Plan Last month, a few months ago, or twice a year which was well done! As a reminder, should a smoke detector sound, and you need to escape, first get outside, call 911, and stay outside!
- If there is a fire in your home, you could have less than 2 minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.
- Make a fire escape plan. Draw a map of each level of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the map with everyone who lives with you.
- Plan two ways out of every room. Choose an outside meeting place in front of your home.
- Make a fire escape plan around your abilities. If you need to use a wheelchair or a cane, make sure you can get to it easily and get out quickly. If you wear hearing aids or eyeglasses, put them next to your bed while you are sleeping.
- Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
- Practice your fire escape plan by having a home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the home.
- If there is a fire in your home, get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets or things.
If you have questions or an experience to share with your neighbors about a home escape plan, please do so below as a comment.
Poll: Do you have a carbon monoxide alarm?
For “Ask a question”: Do you have a carbon monoxide alarm?
For “Add a poll description”: Please pick one option.
For “Add a choice” fields:
- Yes
- No
- I don’t know I have one
Discussion post: Carbon monoxide poll follow up
Subject: What is carbon monoxide and have can a monitor can save your life?
Photo — use screen capture of poll results
Thank you to the [Number of people who voted] of you who took time to cast your vote and [Number of people who replied] of you who replied to my poll over the past couple of weeks about the whether or not you have a carbon monoxide monitor. A carbon monoxide monitor detects carbon monoxide in your home and warns you that carbon monoxide is present in your home giving you time to get out and call 911 for help.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “Invisible Killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental non-fire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators. Other products include faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces.
Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
High-level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:
- Mental confusion
- Vomiting
- Loss of muscular coordination
- Loss of consciousness
- Ultimately death
If you don’t have a carbon monoxide monitor, we strongly urge you to get one for your home now!
Poll: Does your home have a fire sprinkler system?
For “Ask a question”: Does your home have a fire sprinkler system?
For “Add a poll description”: Please pick one option and feel free to share your experience and ask questions in the comments.
For “Add a choice” fields:
- Yes, our home has a fire sprinkler system
- No, our home does not have a fire sprinkler system
Home sprinkler system poll recap
Subject: Fire sprinkler system poll result recap
Photo — take a screen capture of the Poll results
Neighbors,
We realize not all homes have Fire Sprinkler systems as this requirement was not code until recently. We also appreciate it is costly to install a system in an existing home.
With this said, installing sprinklers and Smoke detectors in your home your chance of surviving a fire by more than 82 percent.
Did you know that:
- The risk to firefighters is much less. Sprinklers reduce the heat, flame, and smoke from a fire.
- You can buy home fire sprinklers in different colors. Some can be installed flush with the ceiling, so you will hardly notice they are there.
- Home fire sprinklers only spray when the temperature in the room rises quickly. The sprinkler above the fire is the only one that sprays.
- Sprinklers can prevent devastating home damage by putting out flames quickly. Sprinklers can limit the damage caused by smoke and fire. They are less damaging than water damage caused by firefighting hose lines.
- Installing a home sprinkler system in a home under construction or being remodeled requires a little extra piping and labor and greatly increases the safety of residents.
- A sprinkler costs about $1.35 per square foot. This cost is about the same as upgraded cabinets or carpet.
- Installing a sprinkler system has the potential to lower insurance rates by 5–15 percent by meeting code requirements.
I hope you found this information informative, feel free to ask questions as a comment.
Poll: How often do you clean your dryer lint trap?
For “Ask a question”: How often do you clean your dryer lint trap?
For “Add a poll description”:
Did you know that 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss?
Fire Departments around the county have responded to dryer fires in the last month. Failure to clean the dryer (34 percent) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.
Always clean the dryer lint trap before every use.
Please pick the option that best describes how often you clean the lint trap. Please also share how your tips on how you remind others to clean the lint trap.
For “Add a choice”:
- Every time I use the dryer
- Every couple of times I use the dryer
- When the dryer lint trap is full
- I do not clean the dryer lint trap
Discussion post: Did you know closing the door to your bedroom can save your life?
Subject: Did you know closing the door to your bedroom can save your life?
Video URL — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSP03BE74WA
Neighbors,
As you will see in the video, closing your doors is more important than ever, as evolutions in home furnishings, layouts, and construction over the last 40 years have reduced the average time to escape a home fire from 17 minutes to three minutes or less. A September 2018 report by the National Fire Protection Association concluded that residents are more likely to die in a home fire today than in 1980.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSP03BE74WA
In the recent UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FSRI) consumer survey of 3,204 adults across the U.S., less than half of respondents believe that in the event of a fire, it’s safer to have their bedroom door closed, and only 29 percent always sleep with their door closed. Only 17 percent of those who sleep with their door closed for safety do so because they think it’s safer in a fire. Of those who sleep with the door open for safety, 52 percent do so because they mistakenly think it’s safer in case of a fire.
“As fire service researchers and professionals, we encourage people to take several precautions and have an evacuation plan, but closing doors at night is one simple and quick routine that anyone can adopt right now,” said Steve Kerber, director of the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute. “It is a very simple behavior change that can help save your life and your loved ones.”
Related specifically to families, additional key findings in UL FSRI’s survey showed a low awareness of this potentially life-saving tip among parents, as 57 percent cite having a fire escape plan for their home, yet nearly as many are sleeping with their own door open. Among those families with senior citizens in their home, a third do not have a fire escape plan, and just 56 percent felt they could realistically evacuate their entire household in five minutes or less in the event of a fire. A closed door can not only serve as a protective barrier in a home fire but can help buy the time needed to safely escape or for emergency help to arrive.
Understanding how important it is for people to see for themselves how significant of an impact a closed door can have in a house fire, UL FSRI gathered a group of unsuspecting everyday people to ask them about their safety concerns and what they perceive to be true about house fires. The group was introduced to Steve Kerber and his team, then witnessed a house burned with one bedroom door open and one closed. Following the demonstration, the group was able to tour the house and see the real-life impact of a closed-door compared to an open door. The demonstration and reactions were captured and can be viewed at https://closeyourdoor.org/.
Let’s discuss: Now that you’ve watched the video and read this post if you are not doing so already, will you be closing your bedroom doors?
Poll: Did you know that patios, terraces, porches, and courtyards are leading home locations for grill fires?
For “Ask a question”: Did you know that patios, terraces, screened-in porches, and courtyards are leading home locations for grill fires
For “Add a poll description”:
Did you know that that patios, terraces, screened-in porches, and courtyards are leading home locations for grill fires or that grill fires cause an estimated $37 million in property loss each year?
Here are some other important stats to know:
- Almost half of home grill fires happen between 5 and 8 p.m.
- Fifty-seven percent of home grill fires occur during the months of May, June, July, and August.
- Most half of home grill fires happen between 5 and 8 p.m.
For “Add a choice”:
- Yes, I knew this information
- No, I did not, thank you!
Discussion post: Grilling poll recap and grilling safety tips
Subject: Grilling quiz poll recap and safety tips
Screen capture is taken from this PDF.
Thank you to the [Number of people who voted] of you who took time to cast your vote and [Number of people who replied] of you who replied to my poll about where most grill fires start.
Here are tips to keep you, your family, and your neighbors safe:
- Only use grills outdoors, away from siding and deck railings.
- Clean grills often and remove grease or fat build-up.
- Make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting.
- Have a 3-foot safe-zone around grills and campfires. Keep kids and pets away from the area.
- Dispose of coals after they have cooled in a metal can.
- Never leave grills, fire pits and patio torches unattended.
Watch and share this video for more great tips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2k6rNOCrz4 and share your tips and experiences below in the comments.
Poll: Do you have portable fire extinguishers in your home and are they visible?
For “Ask a question”: Do you have portable fire extinguishers in your home and are they visible?
For “Add a poll description”:
Having a portable fire extinguisher in your home close to sources of heat including the stove and over in your kitchen, the dryer in your laundry room, a fireplace, an outdoor grill, and a workshop can prevent property damage and keep you and family safe.
It is also important that fire extinguisher be visible to your family members and guests. Remember, every second count.
With this said, Do you have portable fire extinguishers in your home and are they visible?
Feel free to share your tips and experiences below in the comments.
For “Add a choice”:
- Yes, I knew this information
- No, I did not, thank you!
Poll: Do you what PASS means in reference to fire extinguishers?
For “Ask a question”: Do you what PASS means in reference to Fire Extinguishers?
For “Add a poll description”:
If you are to ever have to use a fire extinguisher, PASS can help you know how to use a fire extinguisher safely. Be sure your fire extinguisher is visible and not blocked by other objects.
PASS means:
- Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
- Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
For “Add a choice”:
- Yes, I knew this
- No, I did not, thank you!
Poll: Did you know Kidde recalled fire extinguishers with plastic handles and push-button fire extinguishers?
For “Ask a question”: Did you know Kidde recalled fire extinguishers with plastic handles and push-button fire extinguishers?
For “Add a poll description”:
November 2, 2017 — In conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kidde announced a recall to replace certain Kidde fire extinguishers. The replacement program was initiated because certain fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to activate, posing a risk of failure to discharge. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard. The product recall involves two styles of Kidde disposable fire extinguishers: plastic handle fire extinguishers and plastic push-button fire extinguishers.
About 37.8 million units in the US were affected (in addition, 2.7 million in Canada and 6,730 in Mexico)
Consumer Contact:
Kidde toll-free at 855–271–0773 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, or online at www.kidde.com and click on “Product Safety Recall” for more information.
For “Add a choice”:
- Yes, I knew this information
- No, I did not, thank you!
Discussion post: RECALL NOTICE: Kidde Models PI2010 and PI9010 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms
Subject: RECALL NOTICE: Kidde Models PI2010 and PI9010 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms
Photos — http://bit.ly/NDKiddeRecall
Neighbors,
On March 21, 2018, Kidde recalled their dual-sensor (photoelectric and ionization) smoke alarms — model PI9010 (DC/battery powered) with the date code of 2016 Sep. 10 through 2017 Oct. 13 and model PI2010 (AC/hardwired) with the date code 2016 Sep. 10 through 2017 Oct. 13.
A yellow cap left on during the manufacturing process can cover one of the two smoke sensors and compromise the smoke alarm’s ability to detect smoke, posing a risk of consumers not being alerted to a fire in their home. Approximately 452,000 units were sold in the U.S.
- Consumer contact: Kidde toll-free at 833–551–7739 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, or online at www.kidde.com and click on “Product Safety Recall” for more information.
- Description: This recall involves models PI2010 and PI9010 of Kidde dual sensor (photoelectric and ionization) smoke alarms. “KIDDE” is printed on the front center of the smoke alarm. The model number and date code are printed on the back of the alarm. The date codes for PI9010 (DC/battery powered) are between 2016 Sep. 10 through 2017 Oct. 13 The date codes for PI2010 (AC/hardwired) are between 2016 Sep. 10 through 2017 Oct. 13
- Remedy: Consumers should remove the alarm from the wall/ceiling and visually inspect it through the opening on the side of the alarm for the presence of a yellow cap. Consumers should not attempt to take apart the alarm, open the casing, or otherwise remove the yellow cap themselves. If a yellow cap is present, the consumer should immediately contact Kidde to receive instructions and request a free replacement smoke alarm. They should remove and discard the recalled smoke alarm only after they receive and install the replacement alarm. If no yellow cap is present, consumers should reinstall the smoke alarm and no further action is needed.
- Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of the yellow protective cap being present on a smoke alarm before it was installed in a consumer’s home. No reports of incidents or injuries as a result of a yellow cap being present have been reported.
- Sold At: Menards, The Home Depot, Walmart and other department, home, and hardware stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, ShopKidde.com, and other websites from September 2016 through January 2018 for between $20 and $40.
The official recall notice can be found here — http://bit.ly/NDKiddeRecall
Other polls to share
Other yes/no home escape polls to consider sharing on Nextdoor
- If someone in your home requests assistance escaping from a fire, have you practiced helping them escape?
- Do your windows that are used to escape open easily and are they not blocked by furniture, security bars or nailed/painted shut?
- If you have security bars on windows, do they have a quick release device?
- Do all bedrooms have two ways out via windows and a door?
Additional yes/no answer smoke detector polls to consider sharing on Nextdoor
- Does your home have a working smoke detector on every level?
- Does your home have a working smoke detector in each bedroom?
- Are working smoke detectors located outside of each separate sleeping area?
- Do you have a working smoke detector located at least 10 feet from a stationary or fixed cooking appliance?
- Are your smoke detectors interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound?
Other yes/no polls to share with your residents on Nextdoor
- Is your house/apt/condo/building numbers visible from the street?
- If you have young children, are matches and lighters stored in a secure cabinet?
- Do you leave lit candles left unattended?
- If flammable liquids such as lighter fluid are stored inside, are they limited in quantity?
- Is your home cluttered with clothes, magazines, newspapers and other items that can burn?
- Are things that can burn moved away from the stove top?
- Are small appliances unplugged when not in use?
- If you have young children, do adult stay in the kitchen when the stovetop is in use?
- If you have a fireplace, does it have a proper screen and hearth?
- Are things that can burn are at least 3 feet from space heaters and fireplaces?
General public safety posts
Discussion post: Can YOU SEE your house numbers/address on your mailbox/house?
Subject: Can YOU SEE your house numbers/address on your mailbox/house?
Dear neighbors,
When you have lived at the same address for a number of years, you rarely pay any attention to your house numbers (address).
For Police Officers, EMS, and Fire that may be responding to your house in the event of an emergency, your house numbers are what they are looking for.
Make it a point, to LOOK at your house numbers to see if:
-All of the numbers are still there
-They are Large enough to be seen easily from the street
-Any landscape vegetation has grown over them limiting there visibility
If you can see them, So can we…Thank YOU!
If not, then we can’t either. Please take steps today so we can find should you need us tomorrow.
Photo credit to Michael Carian http://bit.ly/2lBGGKH
Poll: Did you know Nextdoor will pay for and mail postcards use can use to invite your neighbors whom you do not yet know?
For “Ask a question”: Did you know Nextdoor will pay for and mail postcards for you to invite your neighbors whom you do not yet know?
For “Add a poll description”: During an emergency or disaster, you and your neighbors may likely serve as each other’s first responders. Being able to communicate with each other is key. To help ensure more of your neighbors can communicate, Nextdoor will pay for and mail postcards on your behalf to neighbors you do not yet know. You can learn how to send postcards here → http://bit.ly/NextdoorPostcards
For “Add a choice” fields:
- Sure did
- I did not, thanks
Assessing the value of communications on Nextdoor
Poll: Since participating in our recent discussions and polls we’ve posted, which option best describes the actions you’ve to prevent fires?
For “Ask a question”: Poll: Since participating in our recent discussions and polls we’ve posted, which option best describes the actions you’ve to prevent fires?
For “Add a poll description”: Our goal is to ensure you are informed about the fire hazards you face and educate and encourage you to take actions to prevent fires.
Please pick the option below to best describes the actions you’ve taken to prevent fires.
For “Add a choice” fields:
- I/we have taken many of the actions you’ve suggested
- I/we have taken some of the actions you’ve suggested
- I/we have taken none of the actions you’ve suggested
