For Immediate Release

Monday, Oct. 17, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-9003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Maynard Fire Department Reminds Residents to Test Smoke Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

MAYNARD – As daylight saving time quickly approaches, Chief Anthony Stowers and the Maynard Fire Department are reminding residents and local businesses to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when turning the clocks back.

Daylight saving begins Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 a.m.

“We are still losing thousands of people every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are the first line of defense in protecting you from a fire or carbon monoxide leak,” Chief Stowers said. “It is extremely important that residents and business owners regularly test or change these devices to ensure they are working properly. Don’t hesitate to call the fire department if you need assistance.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. The Maynard Fire Department asks that all business owners not only change the batteries in their clocks, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief Stowers recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
• Replace batteries when you change your clocks.
• Make sure that everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (life-long) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
The replacement process is fairly simple and batteries can be purchased for most units at the local hardware store. Many fire protection companies can also provide this service.

The Maynard Fire Department strives to continue to enhance and educate its residents to bring awareness of fire and life safety. For more information on smoke detector safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Maynard Fire Department at 978-897-1015.

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