“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.
Fire Marshal Fred Baker. Credit: Michael Dinan
This year daylight savings time ends on Sunday, November 3 at 2:00 AM. (Remember “Spring ahead – Fall back”). In concert with the nationwide campaign “Change Your Clocks – Change Your Batteries,” the New Canaan Fire Department and the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office 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.
Thanks to a generous donation by the New Canaan Fire Company, firefighters will again be offering free batteries to New Canaan residents (3 per household, please) at Fire Headquarters at 60 Main Street from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. on Saturday, November 2, 2019. Residents who are unable to change their own batteries may call fire headquarters at 203-594-3140 to arrange for fire fighters to come to your residence for assistance.
Additionally, Kidde Corporation and Home Depot through Operation Save a Life have donated smoke detectors and CO detectors, which are available to residents who need them – also free of charge (limit 3/ household).
If you have a security system with integrated smoke detectors, residents are reminded that these systems require annual maintenance as well.
If anyone has questions or concerns about smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, alarm systems or, other fire safety topics, please contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-594-3030 or the New Canaan Fire Department at 203-594-3140.