Recently, while visiting a home in town I discovered that their detectors were covered by the protective caps that are installed to protect them from dust and dirt during construction. The residents were completely unprotected!
This is not the first time I have heard of this happening – orange or red plastic, protective covers left on the detectors well after construction has ceased. With these caps in place your smoke detectors will not work! They must be removed when the building is occupied and construction has ended.
If your detectors are still covered the cap can be easily removed with a tape measure – just hook the edge and pull down. If you wish, someone will visit your home to assist with removal.
For questions regarding this, or any other fire safety matter, please contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-594-3030