Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!

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The Town of Granby’s Fire Marshal’s Office and Lost Acres Fire Department are teaming with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Protection Week campaign, Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!TM The campaign works to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly.”

“Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Granby Fire Marshal Brian Long. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”

Here are some key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.

• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

To find out more about the campaign’s programs and activities, please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 860-844-5321. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org and for fire safety fun for kids, visit sparky.org

Remember, working smoke alarms save lives! Test yours today!

The Granby Fire Marshal’s Office offers FREE inspection of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for one- and two-family homes in our town. There is no cost or obligation involved. We have a limited supply of replacement smoke alarms available to homeowners. Help us keep you and your family safe. Contact us today at 860-844-5321 or firemarshal@granby-ct.gov

Submitted by the Fire Marshal’s Office