Stamford Tragedy

Following a tragic fire in Stamford, Connecticut on Christmas morning that took five lives, we are asking homeowners to develop two simple habits that can prevent such senseless deaths.

 1. Fireplace ashes must always be handled with care. After cooling thoroughly in the fireplace, ashes should be placed directly into a metal can and soaked completely with water. No other items should be placed in the can. The metal can must be immediately covered with its own tight-fitting non-combustible lid. The closed container should then be stored at a safe outdoor location away from any structure or combustible items.

2. A functional smoke alarm inside each sleeping room and in the hallway adjacent to such rooms. A functional smoke alarm should also be installed at the top of any stairwell leading to sleeping areas, and on every level of the home. To assure the alarms are working, they should be tested at least once each month. 

Nearly 4,000 Americans die each year from fire - often in preventable blazes like Stamford. Prevent you and your loved ones from becoming a statistic by learning more at:

usfa.fema.gov

See a news report from the Stamford video at...  http://www.clipsyndicate.com/video/playlist/8178/3137399