CFD, Rocky’s team up to offer free CO detectors

Rocky’s Ace Hardware and the Canton Firefighters Local 1580 are working together to provide free carbon monoxide detectors to Canton homeowners.

Fire Lt. Don Lester and Rocky’s Ace Hardware Manager Randy Davis

The detectors retail for $25 each, and firefighters will even install the units free of charge upon completion of a home inspection, which is also free.

During the inspection, a firefighter will look at smoke alarms, heating equipment, and chimneys and leave some recommendations for the homeowner. Current state law requires all homes that are purchased or sold to have smoke detectors and CO units installed and in proper working order. Anyone interested in this free service can call 781-575-6654 and select “fire prevention” from the menu.

With the impending arrival of winter, Fire Chief Charlie Doody is concerned about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness, loss of consciousness, and in extreme cases, brain damage or even death. Young children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Doody said the most publicized local case involved Ricky Shannon, a former CHS football star who died of CO poisoning in a house fire in Milton in 2008.

The good news, according to Doody, is that more CO units within the home have led to increased detection and reporting. In Canton, the number of CO-related calls has risen steadily over the past four years — up from 44 in 2009 to 101 in 2012.

“Over the last few years, we have had several near misses,” said Doody. “This is something that can be prevented, and we are pushing this now at the start of the heating season.”

In reaching out to local businesses for support, Doody said that Rocky’s Ace Hardware emerged as a willing and enthusiastic partner. The company was able to purchase a large quantity of CO detectors at a discounted price, with Local 1580 contributing $1,500 to cover the remaining cost.

Doody said that one of his goals as fire chief has been to strengthen the department’s fire prevention programs, and he is looking to be more proactive in reaching out to businesses and other civic groups to raise awareness.

The department recently issued free emergency survival kits to residents, and Doody has joined with Police Chief Ken Berkowitz and School Superintendent Jeff Granatino to form a coalition to combat substance abuse among local youths.

The Fire Department has also held community CPR classes and more are planned in the future. In addition, the department plans to hold blood pressure clinics with the assistance of Public Health Nurse Terri Khoury, and firefighter Greg Woodbury has been working with the elementary schools to teach fire prevention to students.

Doody said he also hopes to collaborate with the Emergency Management Agency on additional fire prevention programs. “We are trying to pull in other organizations to help us widen the net,” he said.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Nov 21 2013. Filed under News, Police & Fire. Both comments and pings are currently closed.