West Newbury– The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments wish to remind residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50 percent and, on average, three out of every five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

The West Newbury Police and Fire Departments ask that all business owners not only change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but also replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses should have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to continue to keep your home safe and prevent fires, the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments recommend that residents follow safety tips outlined by NFPA:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace alarms immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
• Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when you change your clocks.
• 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.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay in that spot until emergency personnel arrive.
• Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.

For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, visit the NFPA website or contact the West Newbury Fire Department at 978-363-1111.

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