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Fire Marshal: ‘Fire Prevention Week’ Starts Oct. 6

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Since 1922, the NFPA has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage.

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Fire Marshal: Hurricane Preparedness in New Canaan

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[Paul Payne is the New Canaan fire marshal.]
Hurricane season is in full swing for 2024 extending through Nov. 30.  If there is a hurricane warning you should take shelter right away or evacuate if directed by emergency officials. All residents are urged to make preparations if you have not already so. Our emergency operations director, Russ Kimes, offers some tips in the New Canaanite (https://newcanaanite.com/new-canaan-emergency-management-director-storm-prep-8110024). In addition, residents are advised to do the following:

Service your generator annually and have adequate fuel on hand.

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New Canaan Fire Marshal: College Fire Safety Tips

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[Paul Payne is the New Canaan fire marshal.]
This month many young adults are preparing to travel to college. Students and parents carefully researched the school for the best academic experience. To this point parents have ensured their child’s safety and security living within your home, now they are being asked to live on their own. There is an annual average of 4,000 fires in college dormitories, fraternities, sororities and related housing. Over 80% of the college student fire fatalities occurred in off-campus housing.

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New Canaan Fire Marshal: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

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[Paul Payne is the New Canaan fire marshal.]
Lithium-ion batteries have provided us an alternative energy solution for 50 years. They are used to power cell phones, laptops, power tool, personal mobility (bikes, wheelchairs, scooters), uninterrupted power supplies, and electric vehicles. As long as these batteries are treated properly, they will continue to provide a convenient energy source. The problems with the batteries occur when they fail. The battery goes into the state of thermal runaway.

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New Canaan Fire Marshal: Fireworks Safety

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With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. 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 fireworks.