Norwalk Fire Department Offers Tips On Smoke Alarm Usage

News Release from the Norwalk Fire Department:

NORWALK, CT — Today, Monday, October 7, the City of Norwalk’s Fire Department announced that it is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, to promote this year’s campaign, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You!” According to the National Fire Protection Agency, ensuring there are working smoke alarms in a home reduces the risk of someone dying in a home fire by more than 50 percent.

This year, Fire Prevention Week is October 6 through October 12 and is celebrated throughout North America. It’s the oldest U.S. public health observance on record. For more than 100 years, Fire Prevention Week has worked to educate people about the risks of home fires and ways to minimize them.

The Norwalk Fire Department offers the following key safety tips to keep smoke detectors working safely for Norwalk residents:

1. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway),
and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
2. Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or
physical disabilities.
3. Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
4. Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old or don’t respond when tested.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week and for helpful tips and information regarding smoke alarms, visit https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week

The Norwalk Fire Marshal’s Division offers free, age-appropriate fire prevention seminars covering a wide variety of topics. Contact the Norwalk Fire Marshal Division at FDPrevent@norwalkct.gov to arrange a consultation to suit your demographic.