For Immediate Release

Friday, March 9, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Whitman Fire Department Reminds Residents to Test Fire and CO Alarms During Daylight Saving

WHITMAN – With daylight saving time approaching this weekend, Chief Timothy J. Grenno and the Whitman Fire Department are encouraging residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Daylight saving begins Sunday, March 11 at 2 a.m.

“It is vital that all residents and businesses have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous given that it’s odorless, colorless and tasteless,” Chief Grenno said. “If your devices don’t work or you need assistance checking or changing the batteries, please call the Whitman Fire Department for help.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50 percent and, on average, three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

The Whitman 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 continue to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief Grenno 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.
• Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.

For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Whitman Fire Department at 781-447-7626.

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