North Madison Volunteer Fire Company urges all Madison residents to know how old their smoke alarms are, and to replace them every 10 years

October 13, 2016 – Does your home have a smoke alarm? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one. But do you know how old your smoke alarms are? If you’re like most people, you’re probably not so sure.

A recent survey conducted by NFPA revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. That lack of awareness is a concern for the North Madison Fire Company and NFPA, along with fire departments throughout the country, because smoke alarms don’t last forever.

“Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” says Gabe Balsamo, Lieutenant of the North Madison Fire Company. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Madison residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code®, requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk.

As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA is promoting this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” to better educate the public about the critical importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10 years old. Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, 2016.

The North Madison Fire Company is hosting an Open House at 864 Opening Hill Road on Sunday October 16, 2013 from 11:00-2:00 in support of Fire Prevention Week and this year’s campaign. Please see attached flyer for list of events.

To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date (not the date of purchase). The North Madison Fire Company also says smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.

For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years”, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.

EVERYDAY HERO CT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER DAY

On April 9, 2016, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., North Madison Fire and 60 other fire departments will be holding open houses at more than 80 locations throughout Connecticut. We are celebrating Volunteer Firefighter Day (and the start of National Volunteer Week: April 10-16) and getting out the word about the shortage of volunteer firefighters.

Learn more at on Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 864 Opening Hill Road, Madison CT#volunteer #firefighter #NVW2016

Below is an article from our latest company newsletter “Winter, Christmas, and Safety Volume 1 Issue 2”

If you’re like many Americans, you’re starting off the New Year with a resolution to improve your health. As you work towards your resolution, consider one additional step to maintain your health: fire prevention. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is urging everyone to make 2016 a healthy and fire-safe year.

Most people say they feel safest at home. But data shows 83% of all fire deaths in the U.S. happen in homes. Follow these tips to ring in fire safety this New Year:

1. Make sure your home is protected by working smoke alarms. Half of all home fire deaths happen at night, when people are sleeping.

2.Test your smoke alarms once a month, and replace your smoke alarms when they’re 10 years old. Cooking is the main cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Make safety your first ingredient; stay in the kitchen when you are cooking at high temperatures. Fires start when the heat gets too high. If you see any smoke or grease starts to boil, turn the burner off.

3. If you have children living in your home or visiting look for fire and burn dangers from their point of view. Never leave lighters or matches where children can reach them.

While these safety tips will help you to be safe it is our wish that each and every one of our residents has a safe and healthy New Year. From our family to yours have a Happy New Year from the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company!

Below is an article from our latest company newsletter “Winter, Christmas, and Safety Volume 1 Issue 2”

On Sunday, December 20th, a beautiful sunny day was made even more pleasant when my family was alerted by a siren coming down our driveway on Country Way. Having the North Madison FD arrive with Santa and his Elf, made our holiday so much more fun. As a new grandmother of an 11 month old, my grandson TJ, great nephews Brady and Lincoln were awestruck by the big red fire truck. Brady, being the oldest at age 2 1/2 was so excited when Santa came out of the fire truck and handed him a gift. Brady knew his great grandpa Jack, a former NY City Fireman, who recently passed away in July and loves fire trucks. TJ and Lincoln, although young, loved their gifts. What a great thing to do for the community. I am so looking forward to next year already when TJ will really know what is going on. Thank you for doing something so special.

Submitted by Donna Farrell

Below is an article from our latest company newsletter “Winter, Christmas, and Safety Volume 1 Issue 2”

Because the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company has been in operation for 90 years it is useful to reflect back on the history of the organization and the innovation and efforts made to keep the community of North Madison safe. In the previous issue of our newsletter, we noted that the Company was founded in 1925. The Company was established under the leadership of Rudy Schraner, who served as Chief from 1928 through 1966, and Eugene Keyarts. These two individuals were responsible for organizing a meeting of North Madison citizens to initiate a volunteer fire company. The meeting was in response to the loss of a barn on Summer Hill Road and the experience of Schraner and Keyarts who witnessed a volunteer fire company in action in the nearby community of Essex. The first meeting of the Company was held in the North Madison Congregational Church.

Although the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company was subsequently incorporated through a registered charter in the State of Connecticut, the company began with no training, equipment, or support. Through the work of its volunteer staff the Company was able to acquire 20 soda acid fire extinguishers which were distributed among firefighters. Soon after, the Company was able to purchase a used Model-T halfton chemical truck. The truck provided firefighters with access to a 100 gallon water tank which was located directly behind the driver’s seat. Although the Model-T made an excellent addition to the Company, it had no starter, making it practically impossible to rapidly access the vehicle in case of an emergency. To overcome this challenge, volunteers developed a unique starting system in which the truck was placed on a ramp. When an emergency call was reported, the truck could be started by rolling the vehicle down the ramp and popping the clutch.

This innovation was not the only pioneering effort made by the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company to support its operations. To raise money, volunteers held regular chicken dinners and ice cream socials, charging residents $0.25 admission. The events were held in the church basement and provided the Company with an opportunity to raise money while connecting with community members to emphasize the importance and role of safety as an integral part of daily life. In addition, barns owned by the church were used by the Company for training. Later, the Company repurposed an abandoned school at the corner of Opening Hill and Durham Road to establish the community’s first firehouse.

Throughout its history the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company has utilized innovative strategies and methods to build safety as a foundational component of community well being. While the Company did experience a humble beginning it has continued to grow and to maintain a commitment to the improvement of the community. As we reflect back on the history of the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company it is evident that we have come a long way. It is exciting to imagine where we will be in another 90 years.

Submitted by Past Chief, Eric Alletzhauser

Below is an article from our latest company newsletter “Winter, Christmas, and Safety Volume 1 Issue 2”

In recent months, information was mailed to each residence in the community asking for financial support for operations at the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company. Of the 3,300 households in the community, 360 have stepped up to show their support for building a safe community. For those that have donated, we cannot thank you enough for your contributions. Although the efforts made by current donors are sincerely appreciated, we need the help of more households to ensure that the Fire Company continues to fortify the safety and well-being of the community. The North Madison Volunteer Fire Company is comprised solely of volunteers who do not receive compensation for their service. As such, every donation made to the department is directly reinvested in the community through equipment, training, and events to promote safety. If each household in the community contributed $50 we could reach full funding for the fiscal year. For those that can contribute please consider making the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company your organization of choice this year. Donations can be sent in by mail or electronically via NMVFC Donate Now.

Below is an article from our latest company newsletter “Winter, Christmas, and Safety Volume 1 Issue 2”

As the cold of the winter months begins to bear down, many of us will take comfort in the warmth of a wood stove or fireplace. These devices, in one form or another, have been around since the 12th century. Fireplaces and stoves are typically accompanied by a chimney to remove the byproducts of combustion. This system of heating is efficient; however it can also be dangerous if efforts are not made to properly clean and inspect a chimney each year. Creosote and other debris which can build up in the chimney over time can present a dangerous situation which can result in fire, damage to the home, and in the worst case scenario, injury or loss of life.

Most chimney fires are caused by creosote. This compound forms when the residue from combustion travels up the chimney and attaches to the walls of the structure. Chimneys are often much cooler than the wood stove or fire place, allowing for quick cooling and condensation. Over time, creosote particles can line the chimney, creating a significant fire hazard. Creosote Build-up in a Chimney Preventing chimney fires can be accomplished through regular inspections of the structure by a certified professional. In addition, there are several steps that you can take to help prevent the buildup of creosote in the first place. For example: Start fires with dry kindling or newspaper. Gasoline or kerosene should never be used. Do not burn wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, or Christmas trees. When possible, burn large logs rather than small branches.

Have the chimney inspected annually and have any creosote removed from the chimney walls to ensure safety. When it comes to chimney safety it is important to remember that clean chimneys do not catch on fire. Preventing creosote and having your chimney cleaned on a regular basis will provide protection from this often overlooked danger.

Below is an article from our latest company newsletter “Winter, Christmas, and Safety Volume 1 Issue 2”

Winter can be one of the most beautiful times of the year. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most dangerous. Snow, ice, and wind can impact driving, vehicle performance, and visibility making it difficult for even the most skilled drivers to remain safe while on the road. Because most of us must operate a vehicle even in inclement weather, it is helpful to consider some basic tips to ensure safety. Safe winter driving can be accomplished through the three P’s: Preparation, Protection, and Prevention. Below are some actions that you can take to safely navigate during wintry conditions.

Preparation: Prepare for winter driving by ensuring that your vehicle is capable of withstanding weather conditions

1. Check your battery, tire tread, and windshield wipers.

2. Check antifreeze levels and regularly refill the no-freeze fluid in the windshield washer reservoir.

3. Keep a flashlight, jumper cables, shovel, ice scraper, flares, and blankets in your care at all times.

4. Plan your route based on the weather conditions. Make sure others know your arrival time.

5. Practice winter driving in parking lots. Learn how to stop on ice and how to steer into a skid.

Protection: Once you are in the car, there are several steps that you can take to protect yourself and loved ones before your journey begins.

1. Use your safety belts and ensure that children are properly secured in car seats.

2. Ensure that children under the age of 12 ride in the back seat.

3. Never place a rear facing infant in front of an air bag.

Prevention: Prevention involves some basic precautions that you can take while on the road.

1. During inclement weather, slow down and increase your distance from the cars in front of you.

2. Remain alert; do not drive while fatigued.

3. Stop every three hours and, when possible, rotate drivers.

4. Do not drink and drive; if you plan to drink identify a designated driver.

Even though this time of year can be challenging on the roads the three P’s can help you arrive safe even in the most dangerous conditions.