smoke alarm

Enfield Fire Rescue Warns of Uncertified Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Being Sold Online

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Enfield Fire Rescue
District 1
Chief Edward N. Richards
200 Phoenix Ave.
Enfield, CT 06082

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Enfield Fire Rescue Warns of Uncertified Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Being Sold Online

ENFIELD — Chief Edward Richards reports that Enfield Fire Rescue has been recently made aware that a number of smoke alarms that are uncertified or falsely claiming to be certified are being sold online at Amazon.com.

The Vision 20/20 Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fire prevention strategies, published a letter on Sept. 24 to warn fire departments that smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms that have not undergone the proper third-party safety testing are being made available for sale to the public online.

To view a list of smoke and CO alarms that are uncertified or falsely certified, click here. The sale of unlisted safety products violates Amazon policy and the Vision 20/20 Project is calling upon Amazon.com and other e-commerce companies to stop the sale of all unlisted smoke and carbon monoxide alarms immediately.

Fire organizations and consumer safety groups encourage the use of alarm products that are tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and certified to meet specific safety standards. If smoke or CO alarms do not undergo the proper testing to ensure they meet safety standards, there is no third-party verification that they will work properly when needed.

In addition, some companies with smoke or CO alarms for sale on Amazon were claiming that their alarms have been certified to meet the recognized safety standards, when they in fact had not been. As of Thursday, Oct. 3, each of the items falsely claiming to be certified on the Vision 20/20 Project’s list is no longer available on Amazon’s website.

Uncertified devices put the public at unnecessary risk as they may not detect the presence of smoke or fire, may not sound an alarm or may not activate within a sufficient time frame.

“It has been proven time and time again that smoke and CO alarms save lives and uncertified alarms are just as unsafe as not having alarms at all,” Chief Richards said. “We highly recommend that residents who have purchased or plan to purchase these types of safety devices online ensure that their product is properly certified and is not part of this list.”

ABOUT VISION 20/20 PROJECT:

Vision 20/20 is a project hosted by the Institution of Fire Engineers USA Branch (IFE-USA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Vision 20/20 Project is guided by a coalition of national organizations and experts showing how collaboration, communication, and commitment to data-based solutions saves lives and property.

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Newbury Fire Department Reminds Residents, Businesses to Test Smoke Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

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Newbury Fire Department
Chief Nathan Walker
3 Morgan Ave.
Newbury, MA 019510

For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 21, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Newbury Fire Department Reminds Residents, Businesses to Test Smoke Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

NEWBURY — Fire Chief Nathan Walker and the Newbury Fire Department encourage residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when setting their clocks back for daylight saving time.

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

“Residents should be advised that they should be replacing their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every ten years,” Chief Walker said. “In addition, daylight saving time is a good opportunity to replace batteries if need be.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. The Newbury 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 Walker 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 Newbury 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 Newbury Fire Department at 978-462-2282.

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Topsfield Fire Department Reminds Residents and Business Owners to Test Smoke Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

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Topsfield Fire Department
Ronald Giovannacci, Fire Chief
27 High St.
Topsfield, MA 01983

For Immediate Release

Friday, March 11, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Topsfield Fire Department Reminds Residents and Business Owners to Test Smoke Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

TOPSFIELD – Chief Ronald Giovannacci and the Topsfield Fire Department would like to remind residents and businesses that as daylight saving time approaches, to change the batteries on their clocks as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this weekend.

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 13.

“We are reminding the community that when you move clocks forward this weekend, make sure to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all buildings to ensure that they are working properly,” Chief Giovannacci said. “It is imperative that residents follow the procedures that are given to ensure that everyone is safe and is properly educated.”

The National Fire Association reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. The Topsfield 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 Giovannacci 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 Topsfield Fire Department strives to continue to enhance and educate its residents of the town of Topsfield to bring awareness of fire and life safety.

 

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