National Fire Prevention Week Tip of the Day: Don't Wait, Check the Date!
October 8th -14th is National Fire Prevention Week!
Tip of the Day: Don’t Wait, Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 years
In 2014, there were 3,275 civilian deaths, 15,755 civilian injuries and 11.6 billion in property damage caused by fire.
In 2014, fire departments respond to a fire every 24 seconds nationally and one structure fire was reported every 64 seconds. (Source – National Fire Prevention Association)
Many of the deaths could have been prevented by a working smoke alarm. The focus on smoke alarm replacement comes as the result of a recent survey conducted by NFPA, which showed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are or how often smoke alarms need to be replaced.
In one fifth (20 percent) of all U.S. Homes with smoke alarms, the smoke alarms aren’t working properly.
According to Lorraine Carli, vice president of NFPA’s Outreach and Advocacy division, ”People tend to assume that simply having smoke alarms in their homes ensures adequate protection from fires, but it takes regular testing and maintenance to ensure that that’s the case. Part of that effort is making sure you know how old the smoke alarms in your home are and that they’re replaced every 10 years.” Carli notes that the age of a smoke alarm can be determined by looking for the smoke alarm manufacture date on the back or side of the alarm and to replace the alarm 10 years from that date.
When fire breaks out, you only have seconds to escape its heat, black smoke and deadly gases (carbon monoxide and hydrogen chloride). Increase your chances of survival by maintaining the smoke alarms in your home. Here are more tips for making your home safer:
Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside each bedroom. If you keep your bedroom doors closed, place a smoke alarm in each bedroom;
Check smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button;
Never disable a smoke alarm when cooking; and
Smoke alarms wear out over time. Replace yours if it’s more than 10 years old.
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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