CROMWELL, Conn. — A partnership between Cromwell’s health department, fire district and the Walmart on Berlin Road will provide town residents with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors free of charge.
The town announced the news in a release on Tuesday, in which it also shared several valuable safety tips to help residents keep their homes fire safe.
“We want our residents to make sure they have functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes, a good fire-escape plan and a home safety inspection. Together, these tools have proven to save lives because even one fire fatality is too many,” Cromwell Fire Marshal Harold Holmes said in the release.
Salvatore Nesci, public health coordinator and director of emergency management for Cromwell, reminded the public in the release that carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless.
“These units are designed to save lives. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visits to the emergency room and more than 14,000 are hospitalized,” Nesci said in the release.
In the release, Cromwell listed several fire safety tips that go beyond installing working alarms.
First, always stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food; never leave it unattended. Also, check to see that matches and lighters are kept out of children’s reach.
Residents should also develop a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and an outside meeting place. They should share and practice the plan with every member of the household as well.
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Another tip involves keeping portable space heaters and candles three feet away from anything that can burn, including people, furniture and pets. Additionally, one should always turn off portable space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
Residents should also have their chimney and dryer vents cleaned and checked regularly and should never smoke in bed. Also, make sure that all matches and ashes are cool to the touch before being thrown away.
Lastly, make sure that extension cords are in good condition and are used to power small items only – never major appliances – and keep doors and exits clear for immediate ingress, the release said.
While the alarms are free, Cromwell residents must have them installed by the fire department, according to the release. Supplies are limited and available beginning next Wednesday. To request a unit, call 860-635-3188.
When requesting installation, one must call the same number and provide a name, address and phone number. At the time of installation, a brief fire safety survey will be conducted, and recommendations will be made regarding the findings, according to the release.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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