Even before the annual Fire Prevention Week, the Turners Falls Fire Department has been hard at work replacing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in homes around town.
This past weekend, the fire department replaced around 75 detectors with brand new ones, and the department — like many departments around the county in the coming week — have plans to continue the efforts to ensure the safety of residents.
“We want to say to all the citizens that good smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors is what’s going to save lives,” Turners Falls Fire Capt. Kyle Cogswell said. “That early notification to a fire is truly what saves lives.”
State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey says Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7 through 13, is a perfect time to check smoke alarms and detectors, practice a family escape plan and hunt for home hazards.
Some smoke alarms are battery operated or have backup batteries that should be changed twice a year, he said.
All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years or sooner, if the manufacturer recommends doing so.
“As we prepare our homes for winter, we can take steps to prevent fires by having the chimney cleaned or furnace tuned up, making sure no cords run underneath rugs or are pinched by furniture and that smokers use a safe can filled with sand outside for their butts,” he said.
“If you have a fire at home, you may only have less than three minutes after the alarm sounds to get out safely. Knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death,” he said.
Fire Prevention Week, which commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of Oct. 9, 1872 is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association.
For additional information, visit: www.mass.gov/dfs
Greenfield Savings Bank at 282 Avenue A in Turners Falls will hold “Save a Life! Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher” hands-on demonstration on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Join the Turners Falls Fire Department as its team demonstrates the proper techniques for using a fire extinguisher. The event is free and for the entire family.