FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 03, 2017

 

Residents Also Alerted of Safety Recall of Certain Fire Extinguishers

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Division of Fire Safety is reminding residents that the return to Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, November 5, 2017, is the best time to change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Units over 10 years old should be replaced with a new one. These proactive activities are critical to maintaining working smoke and CO alarms in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak. 

“Non-working alarms are dangerous because they don’t warn you and your loved ones that there is a fire or carbon monoxide in your home,” said Louis Kilmer, Acting Division of Fire Safety Director and State Fire Marshal. “Seconds count in emergencies. A lack of warning could be fatal.” 

Residential fires account for more than 80 percent of fire in New Jersey*. Statistics from the National Fire Protections Association also show the necessity of having working, up-to-date smoke detectors and CO alarms on every level of your home: 

  • Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke detectors.
  • More than one-third (37 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke detectors are present.
  • The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke detectors. 

The manufacture date of a smoke detector or CO alarm is usually found on a code stamped on the back of the unit. If the code says 2006 or any prior year, the unit should be replaced. 

The Division of Fire Safety is also alerting residents that Kidde, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, has announced a recall to replace certain Kidde fire extinguishers. The recall involves two styles of Kidde fire extinguishers: plastic handle fire extinguishers and push button Pindicator fire extinguishers. The replacement program was initiated because certain fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to activate, posing a risk of failure to discharge. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard. Residents can visit www.Kidde.com for information about the specific models being recalled. 

The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the State. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as engaging the public on community risk reduction strategies, assisting in fire department preparedness, and conducting firefighter training programs. 

*New Jersey Division of Fire Safety “Fire in New Jersey 2016” report.

 

      

 

CONTACT:
Lisa Ryan
or Tammori Petty
(609) 292-6055