Fire Prevention Week begins Oct. 9, and the West Hartford Fire Department has scheduled open houses at all five fire stations during that week.

Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Fire Department wants residents to check the dates on their smoke detectors, because many may not realize that every smoke alarm has an expiration date.

Fire Prevention Week is a time when the West Hartford Fire Department reaches out to people in the community with activities that are fun and entertaining, especially for young children, but at the same time provides valuable and potentially life-saving information.

This year’s National Fire Protection Association fire prevention campaign is: “Don’t wait — Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”

“Time and time again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” Assistant Chief Michael Sinsigalli said in a news release. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate West Hartford residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”

All residents should know how old their smoke alarms are, and be sure to replace them every 10 years, Sinsigalli said. The back of the alarm should show the date of manufacture, and the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date, the West Hartford Fire Department advises.

Alarms should be tested monthly, with battery replacement taking place once a year or if the alarm begins to chirp – an indication of a low battery.

Throughout Fire Prevention Week, the West Hartford Fire Department will hold a series of open houses for the public, one at each station. All open houses will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., and will include family-oriented activities like exit drills; stop, drop, roll demonstrations and practice; squirting the fire house; and free blood pressure screening.

The schedule is as follows:

• Monday, Oct. 10: Station 1, 561 Prospect Ave.
• Tuesday, Oct. 11: Station 2, 20 Brace Rd.
• Wednesday, Oct. 12: Station 3, 1068 New Britain Ave.
• Thursday, Oct. 13: Station 4, 2458 Albany Ave.
• Friday, Oct. 14: Station 5, 51 Berkshire Rd.

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