"Fall Back" and Sound Those Alarms

As we prepare to “fall back” on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 2:00 a.m., not only is it possible to gain an hour of sleep, but it’s also the perfect time for homeowners and landlords to review functionality and placement of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. The Somers Fire Department is sharing some critical reminders about fire protection in residential spaces.

“We used to say, ‘Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries,’” says Somers Fire Department Chief John Roache. “But, things have changed over the years and it’s not quite that simple anymore. Not all smoke alarms require a disposable 9-volt battery to change every six months. It’s important for people to know what kind of smoke alarms and CO detectors they have, how they are powered, whether they’re placed properly, and how old they are.”

Today’s smoke detectors are powered either by battery or a home’s electrical system (e.g., “hardwired”). If the alarm runs on a battery, it is either a disposable 9-volt battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium-ion battery. Alarms that are hardwired typically have a backup battery that needs to be replaced once per year.

Chief Roache says, no matter what type of alarm you have, be sure to:

• Test it monthly.
• Replace it every 10 years. Always check the label on the alarm; an alarm may not work properly in the event of a fire if the manufacture date on the label shows it is more than 10 years old.

Remember, smoke alarms should be both inside and outside every bedroom and sleeping area as well as on every level of the home. When you hear a smoke alarm, you may have less than two minutes to get everyone out of the home.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms. In other instances, homes may have smoke alarms that fail to operate due to missing, disconnected, or dead batteries. The Somers Fire Department shares the following NFPA guidelines:

• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
• Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) 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.
• For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.

Anyone with questions about their smoke alarms and CO detectors should call the Somers Fire Department at (860) 749-7626.

About Somers Fire Department

Established in 1937, the Somers Fire Department (SFD) proudly protects more than 10,000 people living in the 28.5 square mile area that makes up the Town of Somers, Connecticut. The Department’s mission is to develop, organize, and manage effective Fire and Emergency Medical Services that minimize the impact of emergencies on life and property within the Town of Somers. In addition, the Department provides mutual aid support to those surrounding communities that, in time of need, may request assistance.

As a combination department, SFD relies on both paid staff and volunteers, all of whom are professionally trained, selfless, dedicated, and work together to provide round-the-clock response services – firefighting as well as four levels of emergency medical care – to the Town of Somers. The SFD can always use more help and is currently accepting volunteer membership applications.

The SFD operates out of a single firehouse, stationed at 400 Main Street, and has 10 pieces of apparatus, including three ambulances, two tankers, two pumpers, and three service vehicles. Anyone interested in learning more about the SFD should call (860) 749-7626, stop by the firehouse at 400 Main Street, or follow the SFD on Facebook and Instagram.