Monday, Oct. 31, 2016

For Immediate Release

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

Rockport Fire Department Reminds Residents, Businesses to Test Smoke Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

ROCKPORT – Chief James Doyle and the Rockport Fire Department are reminding residents and businesses to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when turning the clocks back this weekend.

Daylight saving begins Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 a.m.

“Changing the clocks forward next month, is a great reminder to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,” Chief Doyle said. “It is imperative that these life-saving devices are functioning properly in both homes and businesses in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. The Rockport Fire Department asks that all business owners not only change the batteries in their clocks, smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to keep your home safe and prevent fires, Chief Doyle recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
• Replace batteries when you change your clocks.
• Make sure that everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (life-long) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
The replacement process is fairly simple and batteries can be purchased for most units at the local hardware store. Many fire protection companies can also provide this service.

For more information on smoke detector safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the Rockport Fire Department at 978-546-6750.

###