It’s time to “fall back.” The Greenwich Fire Department continuous recruitment campaign reminds residents that Daylight Savings Time end at 2:00 am this Sunday, November 1, 2020.
When setting your clocks back one hour before going to bed remember this Saturday to also change smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) detector batteries.
“It’s a habit that both simple and life-saving,” says Brian M. Kelly, Volunteer Coordinator. “Yet, so many people ignore their smoke and CO detectors. We urge everyone to not only change their batteries when they change their clocks but also set a reminder to test their alarms once every month.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms. Also, homes with working alarms that simply fail to operate, it is usually because of batteries were missing, disconnected, or dead. The NFPA has the following guidelines for proper alarm maintenance:
Testing smoke alarms
• Smoke alarms should be maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well. The instructions are included in the package or can be found on the internet.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery
is used.
Those who have questions about their smoke detector should contact the Greenwich Fire Department non-emergency number, 203-622-3950.
Volunteers Needed
The Greenwich Fire Department is actively seeking Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police, to join the 7 Volunteer Fire Companies/ 1 Fire Police Patrol with in the Town of Greenwich. Volunteer members of the Greenwich Fire Department work along the Career Firefighters as a team in mitigating emergency fire calls. You will be taught the skills both in house and outside of the department in order to operate safely. The Department will provide the personal protective gear that you will need to get the job done.
Currently the Department has new volunteer firefighter recruits enrolled in the Firefighter I CT certification course that will end in mid-December. This is a good time for any community minded resident to contact me so that you can be placed into a volunteer fire company and take the next course to become a certified firefighter.
The Greenwich Fire Department respond town wide to about 4,000 alarms a year. The type of alarms ranges from structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, and medical assists to name a few.
The mission of the Greenwich Fire Department centers on the preservation of life and property in the Town of Greenwich against the ravages of fire. The GFD is a combination fire department consisting of uniformed career and volunteer firefighters who work together to accomplish this mission. Responding to over 4,200 emergency calls annually, the men and women of the GFD are trained and equipped to handle a wide range of threats. This all-hazard approach prepares firefighters for many types of calls ranging from minor fire alarms to structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, and hazardous materials incidents. Fire apparatus consists of 14 Engines, three Ladders, Fire Patrol, a brush truck, support trucks, Dive Rescue and
a Heavy Rescue. The Fire Department operates this equipment out of eight fire houses within Greenwich and (Banksville, New York).
Monthly Commitment (after FFI Course):
• Monthly Volunteer Fire Company/Fire Police Patrol Meeting
• Company Drill
• Town Wide Drill (two deliveries – one only attend)
• Fire Alarms
To join contact the Brian M. Kelly, GFD Volunteer Coordinator, 203-618-8877 or email: [email protected].