Stamford, CT - The tragedy that took the lives of three young Stamford girls and their grandparents in the early morning hours of Christmas Day are a devastating reminder that winter is the time of year when home fires peak. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December, January and February are the top months for home fire deaths.
In an effort to make Stamford homes safer in 2012, the City of Stamford is working with First Alert, the leading manufacturer of home safety products, to help make alarms available to people who need them.
“No home should be without working smoke alarms,” Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia said. “We commend First Alert for its generous donation of 1,000 smoke alarms that will surely help protect life and property. Working smoke alarms double the chance of surviving a home fire,” he added.
The NFPA recommends that homes be equipped with working smoke alarms in every bedroom and on every level of the home. It is important to test them weekly by pushing the test button. Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years. Safety experts stress that the use of smoke alarms, along with being well-informed and prepared, are the cornerstones to reducing the number and severity of home fires. Approximately two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in residences without smoke detectors or detectors that are not in working condition, according to the NFPA.
“The recent Christmas fire has reminded us the importance of protecting our loved ones by being well prepared and informed to avoid this type of incident from happening again,” Assistant Chief Matthew Maounis of Turn of River Fire Department said. Newly appointed Stamford’s Director of Public Safety, Health & Welfare, Ted Jankowski, agrees: “We cannot change the tragic events of Christmas morning. However, this Public Safety campaign put forth by the Fire Departments of Stamford, in cooperation with First Alert, can help to save lives in the future,” he stated.
“Homeowners should be certain that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition and most importantly, that an escape plan is in place and practiced frequently,” Maounis added.
The smoke alarms donated by First Alert as well as fire and carbon monoxide safety brochures will be available at several locations throughout the Stamford area including:
Tuesday, January 31, 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. at The Yerwood Center
Assistant Chief Maounis will be adding additional dates/times later in February.
Residents inquiring about obtaining a free smoke alarm and/or any home safety questions can email the fire department at firstalert@trfd.com or visit First Alert at www.firstalert.com for additional information.
