Anthony Stowers, Fire Chief, EFO/CFO
1 Summer St.
Maynard, MA 01754
For Immediate Release
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-9003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Maynard Fire Department Urges Residents to Test Smoke and CO Detectors During Daylight Saving
MAYNARD – Chief Anthony Stowers and the Maynard Fire Department are asking all residents and business owners to test their fire and carbon monoxide alarms when turning the clocks ahead this weekend.
Daylight saving begins Sunday, March 12 at 2 a.m.
“Having functioning smoke and CO detectors is extremely important and we are encouraging everyone to take the time to ensure that these life-saving devices are working properly,” Chief Stowers said. “If your detectors are not working, or if you don’t have detectors at all, please call the Maynard Fire Department for assistance.”
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 46 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 and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test button.
- Replace alarms immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
- Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when you change your clocks.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, 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.
- 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 for help from a fresh air location and stay in that spot until emergency personnel arrive.
For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Maynard Fire Department at 978-897-1015.
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