45°
NORWALK, Conn. There have been two smoking-related fires within a week in Norwalk, and the Norwalk Fire Department is taking action, asking residents to join a Fire Safety Challenge this weekend.
"Every day fire departments enter homes for various emergencies and service calls only to find missing, disabled and non-working smoke detectors, blocked exits, and other safety hazards. These factors coupled with the growing ambivalence towards fire safety will continue to destroy property and claim the lives of our friends, neighbors and loved ones," Michele DeLuca, the department's deputy director of emergency management, said in a statement.
Candles, smoking and cooking are the leading causes of fires in the U.S. and the leading cause of fire deaths, she said. In Fairfield County, two recent major fires resulted in five fatalities and were caused by careless disposal of fireplace ashes. And one of the fires last week in Norwalk lead to a fatality and the other led to several residents being displaced and losing all they own.
"The complacency towards fire safety is a disturbing trend," Fire Chief Denis McCarthy said in the statement. "We are asking every resident to join the Fire Safety Challenge this weekend by taking the following five actions to protect their home and family."
The department asks that you:
- Install working smoke detectors on every level and in every sleeping area in your home and test current detectors.
- Do a hazard hunt in your home to identify and remove/repair unsafe problems.
- Take the pledge not to leave candles and cigarettes unattended.
- Understand the dangers of your fireplace and heating equipment and make sure everything is in working order.
- Have a family fire drill that includes getting out of your home safely and meeting up at your pre-identified meeting place.
"You are responsible for the safety of everyone in your home. Take time this weekend to discuss this life-saving topic with every member of your family," DeLuca said. "For fire safety tips and to let us know how you stay fire safe, please visit our Facebook page."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
