The Ipswich Fire Department would like to remind residents to set their clocks back one hour as daylight saving ends on Sunday, Nov. 2.
While you move your clocks back, it’s also important to take a moment to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are up-to-date and fully functional.
This year is especially critical, as it is the 10th anniversary of the Fire Code requiring smoke alarms having a 10-year, sealed battery. Those long-life batteries are all reaching their end-of-life this year.
“Smoke alarms have a life expectancy of 10-years” said Fire Chief Paul J. Parisi. “Now, we have the long-life batteries reaching end-of-life as well. So it’s crucial that residents check their alarms and see what the date of manufacture is”.
The date of manufacture is located either on the side or the bottom of each alarm. If your alarm does not have a date, replace it immediately. And please remember, smoke alarms should not go in the trash. They can be brought to the transfer station on Town Farm Road during regular operating hours, or can be brought to Fire Headquarters on Central Street for proper disposal.
“Today’s fires expand much more rapidly than in the past due to the materials that we have in our home. The smoke is extremely toxic. Having working smoke alarms in your home is your best defense against being trapped in your house during a fire” remarked Chief Parisi.
Always be prepared, and know the Ipswich Fire Department is here to support you. We are happy to assist you if you need help checking your alarms. Please reach out to our Fire Prevention Lieutenant, Jeremy Dalton at (978) 356-6631 or fireprev@ipswichfire.org if you need assistance or have any questions. In the event of an emergency, always dial 911. Please visit our website at www.ipswichfire.org for more information.