New Canaan Fire Marshal Issues Safety Tips

Each year over 2,500 people die in fires, most of them in residential occupancies.  National Fire Prevention Week is October 3 to 9 this year and the theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” 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.  Also, school, church and scout groups will be touring the fire house to learn about how the firefighters live, train and work.  

Following is a list of general fire safety tips to help stay safe at home:

First and foremost, have smoke detectors installed on each level of the home and inside of each sleeping room and make sure they have fresh batteries at least once per year.  If over 10 years old, they should be replaced. New 10 year detectors that do not required battery changes are best for replacement. 
Install CO (carbon monoxide) detectors on each level of your home to protect you and your family for the “silent killer”. If a pot on the stove catches fire, turn off the burner and cover with the lid or a cookie sheet to smother the fire.  Never try to carry the pot to the sink or outside and never use water.

New Canaan Teens Transported to Hospital After Crash on Old Stamford Road [PHOTOS]

Police, fire and EMTs responded late Sunday to two car crashes that occurred within minutes of each other in the same area of Old Stamford Road, both involving New Canaan males under 17 years old. The front-seat passenger of a BMW with three teens inside that crashed around 8:35 p.m. suffered a significant leg injury and had to be extricated from the vehicle, according to police. The BMW had been traveling southbound in the area of 93 Old Stamford Road when it traveled off of the roadway and struck two trees, police said. Two passengers from that car were transported to the Norwalk Hospital Emergency Room by New Canaan Emergency Medical Services, police said. The passenger with the leg injury had to be extricated by the New Canaan Fire Department, police said.

New Canaan Fire Marshal: Stand-By Generator Hazards

As we deal with hurricane season it is a good time to review generator safety. Past experiences show that many residents have generators at their homes that—if not installed and used properly—can pose a serious threat. The primary hazard is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust. 

Following is a list of do’s and don’ts for portable and stationary generator use and installation:

Make sure that a building permit has been obtained from the Building Department for the installation of a standby generator. When choosing generator location, make sure it is located a minimum of 10 feet from any building opening (windows, doors etc). Close all windows adjacent to the generator to prevent toxic fumes from entering the home.

New Canaan Fire Marshal Issues Fireworks Safety Tips

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 Department wants 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. Only persons 16 years and older may use the above fireworks. Always keep at least 30’ away from spectators and structures.

New Canaan Fire Marshal Issues ‘Gas Grill Safety Tips’

The New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following information for residents with the upcoming outdoor cooking season. 

Gas Grill Safety Tips

Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for assembly, operation, maintenance, repair and storage.  Consult owner’s manual. 
Always turn control knobs to off and tank valve to closed when not in use. 
Inspect grill and tank before each use for damage or wear. Replace worn grill parts as needed, especially hoses and regulators. 
Using soapy water, check tank and valve for leaks. Open the valve, but leave the appliance off while testing. 
Before lighting grill, always open grill lid. 
Never move a grill that is in use. Never store a spare tank beneath a grill. 
Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill. 
Keep grills at least 3 feet away from structures and other combustibles. 
Gas grills should not be placed on balconies. Grills are prohibited on decks and balconies in apartment buildings. 
Never use gas or charcoal grills indoors. When transporting tanks for refilling they must be kept in the upright position and secured against “rolling around”. Tanks should never be transported in trunks due to the heat that can build up in the sun.