News

New Canaan Fire Marshal Issues ‘Fireworks Safety’ Tips

By |

With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates this year, the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office wishes to make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. Only sparklers and “shower” type fireworks are legal to sell and use in Connecticut.  No aerial or exploding type fireworks are permitted to be sold or used in the state. (Go to the Family Fourth – you will see a tremendous professional show!)
Only persons 16 years and older may use the above fire works. Always keep at least 30’ away from spectators and structures and strictly follow manufacturer’s instructions.

News

New Canaan Fire Marshal Issues Grilling Safety Tips

By |

At the first signs of warm weather, many folks head directly to their barbecue grill to start that greatest of summertime traditions, grilling. (Or, if you are like me it never stops). To ensure everyone can enjoy their backyard bistros unencumbered by unfortunate mishaps, following is a list of steps you can take to avoid being “well done”:

Make sure that your grill is serviced and cleaned annually, following manufacturers instructions for care and use. Leak check all hoses and fittings on gas grill with a dish detergent and water solution.  If any “bubbling” appears, have the grill serviced by a certified technician. Whenever changing propane tanks make sure all connections are tight.

News

Fire Marshal: Major Smoke Detector Recall

By |

Kidde Corporation, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, has announced a recall of nearly one half million smoke detectors due to risk of failure to alert. The detectors were sold between September 2016 and October 2017 and are dual sensor models (ionization and photoelectric) and may be either battery powered or direct-wire to building power. Please visit this web page for specific details. According to Kidde, the hazard is: “A yellow protective cap in limited instances may have been left on one of the two smoke sensors in affected products during the manufacturing process, which could compromise the smoke alarms’ ability to detect smoke.”

The problem can be remedied by replacing “affected smoke alarms that contain the yellow protective cap,” according to the company. Please contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-594-3030 for further information or assistance.

News

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Change Your Clocks—Change Your Batteries

By |

As it seems that this interminable winter will never end, we look for signs that better (i.e., warmer) weather is approaching. One of those is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time which starts this weekend, officially at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 11. (Remember “Spring ahead—Fall back.”)

In concert with the nation wide campaign “Change Your Clocks—Change Your Batteries,” the New Canaan Fire Department wants to remind everyone to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and CO alarms.

“There is no greater tragedy than one that could have been prevented.” I can’t take credit for this statement however, I could not agree more and the tragedy of home fires with the devastation they create is a perfect example. And when the prevention is as easy as installing and maintaining smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, it becomes more ironic. Thanks to generous donations by New Canaan Firefighters, Local 3224, free batteries will be offered to New Canaan residents (three per household, please) at Fire Headquarters on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 10.

News

Fire Marshal: Safety Tips during Power Outages

By |

Following is list of helpful tips to keep our families safe during this power outage:

If using candles, extreme caution must be used – never leave unattended. If running a portable generator it must be at least 10 feet outside of the structure – never in a garage. Never use propane or charcoal grills inside. Have properly installed and operating smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) detectors. Alarm systems only have about 4-6 hours of stand-by power.