Winter Fire Safety Tips from the Norwich Fire Marshal’s Office

With recent price increases in home heating fuel, fire departments are anticipating an increase in the use of alternate heating methods, which if used unsafely can lead to serious property damage or worse. In an effort to prevent accidental fires, the Norwich Fire Marshal’s office has provided a few tips on heating safety for the winter season.

Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, including the basement and inside and outside of every bedroom.
• Test your smoke alarms once a month.
• Change the batteries twice a year, the same time you adjust your clock.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Where there are fuel burning appliances in the home, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on each level of your home and outside of sleeping areas.
• When the alarm sounds, leave the building and call 911. Tell the dispatcher if you feel ill or experience symptoms such as headaches or drowsiness. 
• DO NOT reenter the building until instructed to do so by the fire department.