New Canaan Fire Department Stresses 'Surge Safety' In New Video

Information via the town of New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, CT — The New Canaan Fire Department reminds residents to use extension cords and surge protectors properly in a new fire safety video.

According to the town website, New Canaan Fire Chief Albe Bassett collaborated with the Connecticut Career Chiefs Association to produce new public service videos about "preventing fires through proper use of frequently used extension cords and surge protectors in residential and commercial occupancies."

The production of the video is in line with the department's mission of saving lives through public education and bringing the number of structure fires in New Canaan down to zero, according to the town.

The video features New Canaan firefighters as spokespersons.

Bassett said the town's firefighters and fire marshal have seen numerous high-risk situations arise from misuse of extension cords in homes and commercial properties, most often in older homes with smaller electrical services.

The National Fire Protection Association reports fires started by electrical distribution and lighting equipment failures are the leading cause of residential fire property damage in the country, according to the town.

Links to view these new fire safety videos can be found here.