National Fire Prevention Week Tip of the Day: - Carbon Monoxide Safety

October 8th -14th is Fire Prevention Week!

Tip of the Day – Carbon Monoxide Safety

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide or CO is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.

CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.

Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call 9-1-1.

If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call 9-1-1 for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.

If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.

A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.

Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.

Announcing Tolland Fire Department’s Annual Open House

On Saturday, October 21st, 2017 Tolland Fire Department will host its Annual Community Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Fire Training Center, 191 Merrow Road (across from Meeting House Commons). 

The Open House will feature displays of the department’s firefighting, rescue and emergency medical equipment.  TFD volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service personnel will be available to explain how various specialized items of equipment, including the Jaws of Life, are used to protect our town.  Many of the department’s trucks and an ambulance will be open to the public, making the event particularly appealing for young children. 

This event offers a convenient opportunity for adult town residents who are interested in volunteering as a firefighter or EMT with the Tolland Fire Department, Inc., to talk with current department members about training with the department and the sense of satisfaction that may be derived from providing a valuable service to their neighbors and the Tolland community.  

As part of its corporate commitment to fire safety, Papa Gino’s Pizza of Vernon will again provide free pizza for those who visit the Open House, starting at noon.  Other light refreshments will be provided throughout the Open House. There will also be a drawing for door prizes at the conclusion of the event. 

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