New Canaan Fire Marshal Issues ‘Candle Safety’ Reminder

As the holidays approach, we all start thinking about decorating our homes for festive times and candles are usually a big part of these decorations. Candles add a warm welcoming feel to any occasion, but if not used safely the most festive occasions can quickly be ruined. Following is a few safety tips to keep us safe for the holidays:

Keep combustible decorations such as evergreens or other decorations at least 12 inches away from candles. Make sure candles are out of reach of children and pets. Always place candles on/in noncombustible bases.

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

“There is no greater tragedy than one that could have been prevented.”

I cannot take credit for this statement—however, I could not agree more and the tragedy of home fires and the devastation they inflict 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. This year, Daylight Savings ends on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 a.m.—remember, “Spring ahead – Fall back.” In concert with the nation wide campaign “Change Your Clocks – Change Your Batteries,” the New Canaan Fire Department and the Newcomers Club of New Canaan also want to remind everyone to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. By being proactive this also helps avoid that annoying “chirp” that inevitably starts at 2 in the morning. Also, if you have an alarm system, having annual servicing to ensure proper operation is vital.

Fire Marshal: Elevated Carbon Monoxide Found in New Canaan Homes

As we get into the heating season it is a good time to ensure that CO (carbon monoxide) detectors are installed and properly working. The New Canaan Fire Department has responded, within the past two weeks, and dealt with homes that contained elevated levels of CO. One was from a fireplace damper that was closed too early after a fire. Another was from a malfunctioning heating system. In both cases the homeowners were unaware and were alerted by their CO detectors.

New Canaan Fire Marshal Issues Tips During ‘National Fire Prevention Week’

Each year more than 2,500 people die in fires, most of them in residential occupancies. National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 9 to 15 this year and the theme is “Don’t Wait – Check The Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years” and the Fire Service throughout the country will be working to emphasize fire safety awareness as will the New Canaan Fire Department. Firefighters will be visiting schools throughout town giving demonstrations on how to stay fire safe.

Letter: ‘Thank You’ To Lobsterfest Sponsors from Rotary Club of New Canaan

To the Editor:

The motto of Rotary is “Service above Self.” This year’s Rotary Lobsterfest certainly lived up to that mantra. On behalf of the entire Rotary Club of New Canaan, I wish to express our appreciation for the many individuals who helped to make this year’s Rotary Lobsterfest the best yet. Thousands of volunteer hours were expended to plan, set up, execute and clean up, and over 1,200 crustaceans selflessly gave of themselves to further our cause. The proceeds will be distributed to assist agencies locally, regionally and world wide to help make this world a little warmer, safer and more secure for those less fortunate. The following sponsors are a large factor in making the Lobsterfest the premier event of the year:

Walter Stewarts Market, Karl Chevrolet, Hobbs Inc., HTG Investment Advisors Inc., Benchmark IT, NewCanaanite.com, BT Bowler Associates, Reynolds and Rowella, Rucci Law Group, LLC, J. Hilburn, Team Engle, Westport Mortgage, New Canaan Advertiser, Santella Electric, Karp Associates, The Glass House, Kenneth Gammill Jr., Esq., Franco’s Wine Merchant, Tony’s Deli, Webs for Good LLC, New England Academy of Dance, Operations Inc., Stephanie & Co., St.