NEW ROCHELLE, NY –October is Fire Prevention Month, and October 4th – 10th is National Fire Prevention week. This year’s theme – “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep” – highlights the importance of smoke detectors. The New Rochelle Fire Department encourages everyone to have working smoke alarms in or directly outside sleeping areas.
“This campaign is a great reminder for people to make sure they have working smoke detectors in their bedrooms, and to test them monthly.” said New Rochelle’s Fire Chief Louis DiMeglio. “When properly installed and maintained, they play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries.”
Fire Chief DiMeglio also states the importance of not only just having a fire alarm, but also a carbon monoxide alarm. “Carbon monoxide detectors are also required by state law, and should be installed on every level of a home” Carbon monoxide, known as the silent killer, is a colorless, odorless gas that’s a byproduct of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels usually used in home cooking and heating equipment. It can cause death if undetected.
According to DiMeglio, the New Rochelle Fire Department responds to nearly 8000 calls for service a year, about half of which are EMS and rescue calls. “We respond to all kinds of emergencies including fire alarms, car accidents, gas leaks, and more. If someone calls with a problem, we will respond, no matter how small or large.”
PHOTO AND VIDEO OPPORTUNITY: The New Rochelle Fire Department will hold their annual awards ceremony, on Wednesday, October 21 at 10am in City Hall Council Chambers.