Fire officials held a press conference Friday to address the large number of fatal fires this winter where there were no working smoke alarms.
State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey was joined by leaders of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts, the Fire Prevention Association of Massachusetts, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, and many fire chiefs who have had a fatal fire in their community.
“The fire service stands here today asking for the public’s help to prevent more fire deaths,” Ostroskey said. “This weekend, when you change your clocks, take the time to put new batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as well.”
According to officials, there have been 28 home fire deaths in Massachusetts since December 1, and 19 since January 1.
For 60% of the deaths, there were no working smoke alarms found in the homes.
“Fire doesn’t make an appointment,” Ostroskey said. “It knocks suddenly. Protect your family, your children, and your parents by making sure they have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and that none are more than ten years old.”
Many fire departments have Senior SAFE programs funded by a grant from the state Department of Fire Services to help older adults be safe from fire. Older adults account for about one-third of all fire deaths in Massachusetts.
“Many of the fire deaths have been older adults,” Wellesley Fire Chief Richard DeLorie said. “We encourage seniors to ask for help testing their smoke alarms, replacing the batteries, or installing new ones. Call your local fire department of senior center for help.”
The Department of Fire Services has a smoke alarm campaign, “Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With”. The campaign is intended to remind people that smoke alarms don’t last forever and need to be replaced every ten years. Many people install smoke alarms when they move into a home and then forget about them.
“When replacing smoke alarms, consider purchasing ones with a sealed, 10-year lithium battery,” Chief DeLorie said. “No more batteries chirping at 3 a.m.; just replace the entire unit once every ten years.”
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