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SPENCER – The community has recently experienced its share of fires and it is a topic on the minds of many people.
To enhance safety, the Spencer Fire Department is offering two new programs for residents.
Lt. Tom Parsons noted that when responding to calls, firefighters have sometimes noticed a lack of working smoke alarms in homes.
Therefore, in partnership with the American Red Cross, Spencer Fire is expanding its smoke alarm program previously offered only to seniors.
Interested citizens can request a free inspection of their home to ensure all smoke alarms are working properly and that they have the correct devices.
“If they need to replace something, we can advise on what to get,” Lt. Parsons said.
He explained that if there are deficiencies, the department can lend alarms until the residents are able to purchase replacements. Although it is the citizens’ responsibility to buy replacement alarms, Lt. Parsons said the department can try to help seniors out who have a financial need.
Lt. Parsons said people should change the alarm batteries at the same time clocks are changed and emphasized the importance of ensuring smoke alarms are working properly.
The second initiative is expansion of the Stove Top extinguisher program, previously run successfully at all the elderly housing complexes in town.
He said the department can install the extinguisher, “which resemble a tuna can with a magnet attached to it,” above the stove top. It activates only when there is fire hitting it and not in cases of smoke coming from burning food, for example, Lt. Parsons explained.
The department will provide the extinguishers free of charge thanks to a grant from the state’s Department of Fire Services.
The program will be ongoing until interest runs out.
Lt. Parsons said firefighters would carry the devices on their apparatus in case one is needed in the middle of the night when responding to a call, for example.
Finally, he offered general reminders for the winter season.
First, he stressed that homes should also have working carbon monoxide alarms.
Secondly, Lt. Parsons reminded residents who use space heaters to plug them directly into the wall outlet and not an extension cord or power strip. The latter option can overheat and result in a fire.
Other electrical devices should not be plugged into the same wall outlet.
Further, space heaters should be turned off when residents leave the room or are asleep.
Anyone interested in the new programs should call 508-885-3555 or email tparsons@spencerma.gov.
