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Groveland Fire Department
Robert B. Lay, Fire Chief
Public Safety Building
181 Main St
Groveland, MA 01834

For Immediate Release

Monday, Oct. 24, 2016

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

Groveland Fire Department Reminds Community Members to Test Smoke Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

GROVELAND – Chief Robert Lay and the Groveland Fire Department would like to remind community members that as they’re changing their clocks back in less than two weeks, to also test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they’re working properly.

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

“It’s extremely important to make sure that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working at all times,” Chief Lay said. “These devices will save your life in the event of a fire or when carbon monoxide is present in the air.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. The Groveland 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. Additionally, 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 Lay 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 and carbon monoxide safety, visit the NFPA website, the Groveland Fire Department website, or contact the Groveland Fire Department at 978-374-1922.

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Groveland Fire Department Reminds Community Members to Test Smoke Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

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