Medway & Millis Town News

02/11/2024

Medway Senior Center upcoming events for Nov./early Dec.

PURCHASE TRIBUTE BRICKS: Honor your loved ones by purchasing a tribute brick that will be engraved and added to the Center’s front patio. Order forms are available now at the Medway Senior Center. The inscription can be up to 20 characters per line with a max of 3 lines. The cost is $100.00 per brick.

BECOME A SOUP MASTER (Nov. 13): Join us for the next offering in our “Fall into a Healthier Lifestyle” initiative. The workshop, presented by Therapy Gardens, is focused on healthy cooking and eating! The workshop will be held on Wed., Nov. 13 starting at 11:30 AM. The first half hour will be a recap of the October session which discussed the Mediterranean pattern of eating. Please call 508-533-3210 to sign up for this class. $10.00 for this class, which includes samples and recipes to take with you.

VIVA LAS ELVIS: (Nov. 20): Join us on Wed., Nov. 20, at 12:15 PM, for a fun-filled hour of entertainment featuring New England’s premier Elvis Presley tribute artist, Dan Fontaine! Event is free but please stop by or call the Center to sign up for this exciting event! 508-533-3210

Homeland Security Investigations: Common Fraud Schemed Targeting the Elderly (Dec. 4): Anyone can be the victim of financial scams, but older individuals are common targets. Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) is the investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. They protect the public from crimes of victimization, focusing on individuals and networks who target vulnerable populations. On Wed., Dec. 4, at 10 AM, Sean Garvey, Assistant Special Agent in Charge HIS New England, will join us to discuss how we can protect ourselves from financial scams. Call or stop by the Center to sign up for this informative session. 508-533-3210

WII BOWLING AT THE CENTER: Every Tuesday at 10:00 AM join the Alley Cats for lots of fun and plenty of laughs! Wii bowling is easy to learn and anyone can play. As more people join in on the fun, we hope to create other teams and start a monthly tournament. Win or lose, we can guarantee you’ll have a great time!

WEEKLY EXERCISE CLASSES
Mon, 9:30am, Dance Cardio $5
Mon, 11am, Strength Exercise $4
Tues, 11am, Line Dancing $4
Tues, 12:30pm, Strength & Power $5
Wed, 9:30am, Yoga $3
Wed, 11:30am, Sword Tai Chi $10
Wed, 1pm, Chair Exercise $3
Thurs, 11am, Zumba Exercise $5
Fri, 12:20pm, Chair Exercise $3

OUTREACH DEPARTMENT: Did you know that the Senior Center has two part-time Outreach workers? The Outreach Department can meet with seniors, families, or any individual. We can explain community programs and benefits, assist with applications for designated programs, aid in the search for services, and act as an advocate to support individuals in need.
Examples of what the department can help with include but are not limited to SNAP (food stamps) applications, fuel assistance applications, referrals for Home Care Services, internet discount, Mass Health applications, and more. If you need assistance, call the Center and ask for Cathy Carvalho or Sue O’Connor in the Outreach Department.

27/10/2024

Medway Senior Center November/December Events

VIVA LAS ELVIS! Join us on Wednesday, November 20th, at 12:15 PM, for a fun-filled hour of entertainment featuring New England’s premier Elvis Presley tribute artist, Dan Fontaine!
Event is free but please stop by or call the Center to sign up for this exciting event! 508-533-3210

Common Fraud Schemed Targeting the Elderly: Anyone can be the victim of financial scams, but older individuals are common targets.
Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) is the investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. They protect the public from crimes of victimization, focusing on individuals and networks who target vulnerable populations.
On Wednesday, December 4th, at 10:00 AM, Sean Garvey, Assistant Special Agent in Charge HIS New England, will join us to discuss how we can protect ourselves from financial scams.
Call or stop by the Center to sign up for this informative session. 508-533-3210

Become a soup master: Join us for the next offering in our “Fall into a Healthier Lifestyle” initiative. The workshop, presented by Therapy Gardens, is focused on healthy cooking and eating!
The workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 13th starting at 11:30 AM.
The first half hour will be a recap of the October session which discussed the Mediterranean pattern of eating. Please call 508-533-3210 to sign up for this class. $10.00 for this class, which includes samples and recipes to take with you.

Wii Bowling at the Center: Every Tuesday at 10:00 AM join the Alley Cats for lots of fun and plenty of laughs! Wii bowling is easy to learn and anyone can play. As more people join in on the fun, we hope to create other teams and start a monthly tournament. Win or lose, we can guarantee you’ll have a great time!

Weekly exercise classes include:
Monday
9:30 AM Dance Cardio $5
11:00 AM Strength Exercise $4
Tuesday
11:00 AM Line Dancing $4
12: 30 PM Strength & Power $5
Wednesday
9:30 AM Yoga $3
11:30 AM Sword Tai Chi $10
1:00 PM Chair Exercise $3
Thursday 11:00 AM Zumba Exercise $5
Friday 12:20 PM Chair Exercise $3

Tribute bricks are available for purchase: Honor your loved ones by purchasing a tribute brick that will be engraved and added to the Center’s front patio. Order forms are available now at the Medway Senior Center. The inscription can be up to 20 characters per line with a max of 3 lines. The cost is $100.00 per brick.

Outreach Dept: Did you know that the Senior Center has two part-time Outreach workers? The Outreach Department can meet with seniors, families, or any individual. We can explain community programs and benefits, assist with applications for designated programs, aid in the search for services, and act as an advocate to support individuals in need.
Examples of what the department can help with include but are not limited to:
· SNAP (food stamps) applications
· Fuel assistance applications
· Referrals for Home Care Services
· Internet Discount
· Mass Health applications
If you need assistance, call the Center and ask for Cathy Carvalho or Sue O’Connor in the Outreach Department.

27/10/2024

Fire at St. Mary's in Franklin being investigated as arson, investigators need public's help

On Oct. 23 at about 5:45 p.m. a fire damaged St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Franklin; the Medway Fire Department was one of several companies to respond.

The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the Franklin Fire Department, Franklin Police Department, State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and ATF. Based on an examination of the scene, witness interviews, and other evidence gathered, they collectively determined that the fire was intentionally set.

“We’re asking anyone with information on this fire to share it with investigators,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Call the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229. Tipsters can remain anonymous if they wish.”

The Arson Watch Reward Program is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association and offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that detects or prevents arson crimes.

In addition to Medway, the fire departments of Norfolk, Wrentham, Bellingham, and Plainville provided mutual aid at the scene. The Foxborough Fire Department provided station coverage.

Source: Department of Fire Services

14/10/2024

Friends of the Millis Library Fall Book Sale on Oct. 19!!!
The Friends of the Millis Public Library will hold its Fall Book Sale on Sat., Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Roche Bros. Community Room at the library (961 Main St). A large selection of well-organized books in hardcover and paperback will be on sale plus CDs, DVDs, games, and puzzles.
In addition, there will be a Friends of the Library Preview and Sale for Friends members being held on Fri., Oct. 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. New membership applications will be accepted that night. One great benefit of being a Friend is first pick of everything.
On Sun., Oct. 20, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. there will be a special sale. Each bag of books and media will cost $5.00 on that day. Bags will be provided.
Cash, credit cards, and checks are accepted for payment during the sale.

09/10/2024

**ETA: Deadline to submit for the November paper is Oct. 15 (early, we know)**

Dear - We are in the process of creating our November and December special sections that will highlight any fall-themed or holiday-themed events that will take place between Nov. 1 and Jan. 2, 2025.

If you would like to share an activity, memory, old photo, family recipe, etc., with our readers, please forward it/them to **[email protected]** Items of specific interest are:

ACTIVITIES - Anything related to autumn, Thanksgiving, December holidays, New Year's Eve/Day - like craft fairs, community performances, festive lightings, etc.

FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORIES - If you (or someone in your family) have a favorite holiday memory you would like to share, please forward to me (aim for 100 words).

OLD PHOTOS - If you have any old holiday photos (family, pets, etc.), we would LOVE to feature them in the December edition. Please include a photo caption (name, year, location, a few words about the event, etc.).

RECIPES - Any recipe that relates to the holidays. Photos of the prepared dishes are also appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

06/09/2024

Come to MRN Diagnostics clinical laboratory in Franklin, MA to participate in our innovative clinical collections, with impacts reaching globally. Please visit www.mrndx.com/clinicalcollections and complete the "Get Qualified" survey to see how you may qualify for our clinical collections with gift card rewards. Our blood collections are performed by our expert care team, and we commit to providing a sanitary, safe, and secure environment for our donors. Call us at (508) 384-0033 for more information about how you can help advance medical research or book your appointment online today.

30/08/2024

MEDWAY specifically mentioned as state officials urge U.S. Postal Service to re-open facilities

Boston (August 30, 2024) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today led his Massachusetts colleagues Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representatives Richard Neal (MA-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09) in sending a letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy expressing concern over the deterioration of postal service in communities across the Commonwealth, including in communities where postal operations may be consolidated and in rural areas where mail delivery may be slowed.
The letter highlights a litany of United States Postal Service (USPS) management decisions that have led to diminished access to post office retail fronts, increasingly delayed and lost mail, and, for those employed by USPS, workplace dissatisfaction, including:
• The closure of the MEDWAY Main Street Post Office more than a year ago, which has left the residents of MEDWAY without an adequate Post Office location
• The closure of the Watertown Square Post Office and subsequent lack of Saturday service in Watertown
• Poor service and mail delivery delays at the Roxbury Post Office, where residents have experienced mail delays of two to four weeks, lost mail, misdelivered mail, and mail left outside of mailboxes
• Mail delivery delays and months of lost mail in Somerville, Brookline, and other communities
• USPS’ new proposal to slow mail delivery in rural areas and consolidate processing centers, which would likely impact postal service and USPS jobs in Massachusetts

“All these issues with postal service in the Commonwealth are highly problematic and indicative of a larger statewide problem, which has fostered inequitable access to basic postal functions across urban and rural communities,” wrote the lawmakers. “We are now constrained to request an in-person meeting with MA-RI District Manager Scott Manier at which we can learn how USPS will address our concerns.”
Following USPS management’s lack of response to the Massachusetts delegation’s repeated requests for re-opened facilities and improved service, the lawmakers call for an in-person meeting with MA-RI District Manager Scott Manier in the letter.
Senator Markey and the Massachusetts delegation have taken several recent actions to address concerns with USPS service. In October 2023, Senators Markey, Warren, and Rep. McGovern sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy encouraging the USPS to restore adequate postal service to the Town of MEDWAY, which experienced a sudden suspension of service in August 2023. The lawmakers sent another letter in November 2023 calling on USPS to abide by their required timeline for announcing plans to re-open the MEDWAY Post Office and engage in community input processes.
In March 2024, Senator Markey and his Senate colleagues sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy urging him to stop any changes to USPS service standards that would result in job losses and further degrade mail delivery performance, which would have resulted in the consolidation of the Brockton Processing and Delivery Center. Due in part to Senator Markey’s advocacy, in June, USPS announced it would pause the proposed consolidations. In July, Senator Markey joined Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan to successfully fight the closure of the Mission Hill Post Office, which would have created increased stress on the already-faltering Roxbury Post Office.
Image: Former Medway Post Office on Main Street closed in August 2023. Photo credit: Theresa Knapp

05/08/2024

Wishing continued success!!! OOOOO

30/04/2024

**As we head into prom and graduation season, SADD mock car crash illustrates results of distracted driving** - By Sofia Mercier

MEDWAY - As police sirens and fire engines piled into the Medway High School parking lot, junior and senior students felt the chilling reality of the dangers of driving under the influence.

But this was a performance. Thankfully.

Between drugs and alcohol, phones and friends, teens face many distractions while driving. In an effort to reduce these distractions, Medway’s Students Against Distracted Driving (SADD) club hosted its biannual mock car crash on April 26.

The mock crash, featuring performances by seniors Maggie Monaghan, Andrew Morris, Charlie Bennett and Victoria Gonzales, focused solely on drunk driving. Morris, the ‘driver’ and Monaghan, the main ‘victim’ of the crash, had provoking performances that eerily came to life with a lot of fake blood. The Medway police and fire departments volunteered their time, equipment, and vehicles to make the display even more realistic.

The performance ended with Monaghan pronounced ‘dead’ and Morris being ‘arrested.’

After the mock crash, the students filed into the auditorium for a conversation led by therapist and author Crystal Collier. Collier, a Houston-based neurological researcher, led a productive discussion on the effects of drugs and alcohol on the underdeveloped brain. The students practiced different ways to refuse drugs and alcohol, and learned about strengthening their neurons rather than harming them.

Although the performance felt dramatic at times, the students felt as though they were at the scene of a tragic accident. It is the hope of SADD and Collier that students will now think twice about drinking or smoking before they climb into the driver's seat.

After the event, Medway Police Department Chief William Kingsbury told Local Town Pages he has been involved in these SADD demonstrations for over 20 years, and said they are important as we head into prom and graduation season.

“Far too often, we see the celebratory nature of this time of year impacted by a tragic crash that injures, and unfortunately sometimes takes the lives of, people celebrating a milestone in their lives. These tragedies not only impact their family and friends, but the entire community,” Kingsbury said. “It is our hope, and we believe this to be true, that these demonstrations have a positive impact on our students in regard to their decision-making which we hope carries on well past this exciting time in their lives.”

He said MPD officers feel that demonstrations like this, that are as true to the reality they have faced on the job, will have far-reaching effect.

Kingsbury said, “For myself, it leads me to think back on past tragedies and the people we have lost over my many years as a member of the Medway Police Department. I hope that these recreations of possible outcomes have a positive impact of saving lives, so this community never again has to face the reality of one of these tragedies.”

Theresa Knapp contributed to this story

30/04/2024

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19/04/2024

The Medway Cultural Council is pleased to announce that ‘”I’ll Be There For You: A Drug Prevention Play and Talkback” by the 2 nd Act Organization will take place on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the Medway High School. TICKETS ARE NOT NECESSARY!

The 2nd Act Organization is a collective of artists in recovery which uses theatre, film and drama therapy to address the impact of substance use. And promote understanding in the face of stigma. The play follows a group of young people as they create an original play inspired by their daily lives, using the stage to better understand themselves and the world around them. They pull themes from their own lived experiences, such as gender and
immigrant identity, relationships with adults, and the ways alcohol and other drugs can reshape the landscape of a young person’s life. Ultimately, they discover what it means to write one’s own ending.

For more information about the Medway Cultural Council, please visit our website at www.townofmedway.org/cultural-council or email us [email protected]

16/04/2024

Millis Middle School / Millis High School in bloom!

11/04/2024

Millis bus driver facing several charges after accident

Earlier this afternoon [April 10, 2024], Millis Police responded to an accident involving a school bus.
The school bus was reported to have hit several trash bins and bushes while attempting a three-point turn on Village Street. 48 students from the Clyde Brown Elementary School were on board, luckily no injuries were reported. However, in the moments after the crash, a witness approached the 63-year-old bus driver, and the driver pushed the witness.
That driver, Mamdouh Abdelnour, is facing several charges including; assault and battery, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation, and improper turn; he is currently on administrative leave pending an investigation of the accident.
For safety reasons, families who arrived at the Village Street scene were directed to the Clyde Brown Elementary School for pickup. Families who called the school were advised to stay at their respective bus stops as the bus would be delayed. The Clyde Brown Principal, along with a school counselor, accompanied the students on the bus to offer support as they were dropped off.
“It is with great relief that we inform you that no children were injured in this incident. The safety and well-being of your children are of utmost importance to us, and we extend our sincere gratitude to the school administration for their prompt response and diligent efforts to ensure the safe reunification of students with their families. Please be assured that we will continue to keep you informed of any developments and provide updates as necessary. Thank you for your trust and confidence in our organization.” - Christopher J Soffayer, Millis Chief of Police
Source: Millis Police Department press release

10/04/2024

Medway Nine Is young but could be a surprise
By KEN HAMWEY
Staff Sports Writer

The 2024 edition of Medway High School's baseball team is young, but coach Mike Coppinger’s Mustangs are a coachable group that will be striving to improve daily, gain experience and sharpen their techniques.
“Our goals are to qualify for the state tourney, compete for the Tri Valley League Small Division crown and take a step forward,’’ Coppinger said.
Last year’s Medway contingent finished at 6-12, then split a pair of games in the Division 3 state tourney, defeating East Boston and bowing to Oakmont, the eventually champion.
Whether the current group of Mustangs can surpass last year’s record and tourney results will depend greatly on how quickly their overall team strengths emerge.
“We’re young but our players are coachable, athletic and instinctive,’’ Coppinger offered. “Our baseball IQ is good, their techniques are improving and our work ethic is very strong. Our pitching, hitting and fielding are solid but we still need to improve.’’
The 38-year-old Coppinger has eight returnees with different levels of experience, and he lost only four seniors to graduation. One of those graduates, however, was Luke Frauton who’s now playing baseball at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Frauton pitched and played the outfield for Medway and his statistics no doubt will be missed. He hit .417, had a 3-4 record, an E.R.A. of 2.10 and 55 strikeouts.
Junior Jason Bedard is one of the Mustangs’ key returnees. He was the starting catcher last year and he also can play in the infield.
“Jason’s batting average of .304 is the highest of our returning players,’’ Coppinger said. “He’s a terrific competitor and a very consistent hitter. He handles the catching chores effectively. He blocks the plate well, knows how to keep our pitchers calm and his arm strength is improving.’’
Two other players who can handle infield duties are junior John Farrell and senior Kyle Cairney. Both right-handers will also pitch.
“John played shortstop last year and we’re counting on him to be a consistent hitter,’’ Coppinger said. “He finished last year with a 3.44 E.R.A. He relies on a fastball, slider and change-up and throws in the 80-mph range. Kyle is athletic and versatile. He throws a fastball, curve and change-up and can contribute on the mound or in the field.’’
Junior Garrett O’Meara is a right-handed pitcher who can also play in the infield or the outfield.
“Garrett is a super utility player,’’ Coppinger emphasized. “He’s big (6-3, 190), strong and athletic. He’s a talented hurler who has good control and command. Relying on a fastball, curve and change-up, he was 1-0 last year with an E.R.A. of 2.62.’’
Junior Matt Parlon can pitch or play the outfield. A left-hander, he hit .250 last year and was utilized as a reliever. “Matt became a regular in our last 11 games last year,’’ Coppinger recalled. “He’s a crafty lefty whose best pitch is a curve ball. An excellent athlete, he’s a very good baseball player.’’
A trio of juniors who play the infield include Matt Olynciw, Matt Wilde and Anthony Alicea. Olynciw can also pitch and catch, and Alicea can pitch, too.
"Matt (Olynciw) is a hard-working competitor who’s got a great attitude and is very coachable,’’ Coppinger noted. “He’s a pitcher with very good command. Matt (Wilde) is a corner infielder who played jayvee ball last year. He’s a consistent fielder who’s got power at the plate. Anthony does everything well. A jayvee player last year, he’s got good hands, can pitch and has power at the plate.’’
Sophomore Aidan Tkowski played 14 games at second base last year. “Aidan is a quality fielder and hitter who showed lots of poise and polish as a freshman,’’ Coppinger said. “He hit .270. A spray hitter, we’re hoping he develops more power this season.’’
A native of Medway, Coppinger will be relying on two assistant coaches — varsity aide Jim Patelis and junior varsity coach Kevin Treggeri. “Both are outstanding,’’ Coppinger said. “Jim has been on the staff for four years and Kevin is in his second season.’’
During his playing days, Coppinger hurled three no-hitters at Medway and was a two-time TVL all-star. He relies on a coaching philosophy that focuses on making sure his players work hard, reach their potential and have fun. “If those things occur, then winning follows,’’ he said. “It’s about getting the kids ready for the next level.’’
Coppinger, who has guided Medway to six tourney berths in eight years, also uses baseball to teach valuable life lessons. “I like it when our players learn how to overcome adversity and develop resilience,’’ he emphasized. “Sports also help kids to set goals and be strong leaders and good teammates.’’
Baseball at Medway has experienced some up and down times recently. In 2019, the Mustangs were a No. 11 seed in the tourney but rolled to a sectional title before losing in the state final to Taconic.
Mike Coppinger is acutely aware this his 2024 team is young but it’s willing to work hard and improve on its techniques. He’s hoping that strong leaders will emerge during a season that opens on April 2 at Bellingham.
There’s a possibility the Mustangs’ work ethic and team-first approach will enable them to contend for the Small Division title and earn a state tourney berth.
TVL teams taking Medway lightly might be in for a surprise.

PHOTO CAPTION: Coach Mike Coppinger has guided Medway’s baseball team to six tournament berths in eight years. Courtesy photo

28/03/2024

Spencer statue unveiling on March 30 * Holliston resident to be honored posthumously

On Saturday, March 30, a 40-inch bronze statue will be dedicated to Spencer, the official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon. Spencer, a golden retriever therapy dog, died from cancer in 2023.
The event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at 11 Frankland Road in Ashland, at the intersection of Olive, Frankland and West Union Streets, along the marathon route. There is limited parking on the field to the right of the driveway, and there is no parking on Route 135.
The event will also include a meet and greet with Barbara Walsh, the author of “Spencer, Boston’s Beloved Marathon Dog” (2023).
Spencer’s owner, Rich Powers of Holliston, said that, for years, Spencer cheered on thousands of runners competing in the Boston Marathon. Whether rain or shine, Spencer brought joy, love and smiles to all runners who passed him, making him not only man's best friend, but the marathon's best friend. Spencer will be remembered as the official Boston Strong dog.
The statue was crafted by Jeff Buccacio of Buccacio Sculpture Services in Canton. It pays homage to the remarkable legacy of Spencer who, along with his niece Penny, sat at Ashland State Park and cheered on Marathon runners for many years. In October, Powers sought to have a statue installed near that site but was denied by the Select Board.
Funds for the project were raised through a grassroots community outreach to Boston Marathon runners and friends of a page . Fundraising continues at www.gofundme.com/f/statue-of-spencer-boston-marathonofficial-dog and with a “Buy a Brick” campaign at www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/spencer.

Photo source: www.gofundme.com

15/03/2024

Millis Police & their K-9 Arrest RI man for crack, fentanyl and thousands in cash

A Rhode Island Man is behind bars this morning facing serious drug charges. On Wednesday, Millis Police officers and K-9 Nytro conducted a traffic stop, after a detective suspected the man had been involved in a drug deal at a local apartment complex. While searching the man’s car, officers and the department’s german shepherd uncovered what they believe to be crack co***ne and potential Fentanyl. Over three thousand dollars in cash and other drug related items were also located.

The driver was subsequently arrested and charged with Possession of a Class A Drug with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Class B Drug with Intent to Distribute.

“The successful narcotic arrest by our Detective, Patrol Officer’s, and Police K9 unit highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in law enforcement. Each member of the team played a crucial role in the operation, utilizing their unique skills and training. Their ability to communicate effectively, maintain situational awareness, and work together seamlessly was impressive. This incident is a great example of how diverse skill sets and specialized training can come together to achieve exceptional results. It's inspiring to see law enforcement professionals working together as a cohesive unit to keep our communities safe.” - Millis Chief of Police, Chris Soffayer

Source: Millis Police Department

07/03/2024

Daylight saving time is March 10, also time to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Daylight Saving Time will start on March 10 (at 2:00 a.m.) so, before you go to bed on March 9, be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour, and also replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

How do I test my smoke detector?

On most smoke detectors, you press and hold the TEST button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but you will hear a loud, ear-piercing siren while the button is pressed. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace your batteries. Visit https://bit.ly/3TocGAg for a video tutorial from the National Fire Protection Association, and www.firstalert.com for more information.

What is carbon monoxide?

According to the United States Fire Administration, carbon monoxide is called the “Invisible Killer” because it is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental non fire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators. Other products include faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces. Beware of symptoms such as headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, and loss of consciousness. [www.usfa.fema.gov/]

How do I test my carbon monoxide detector?

To test your carbon monoxide alarm, simply press the TEST/RESET button until the unit chirps, then release the test button. The unit will then emit 2 sets of three slow beeps followed by 2 sets of four quick beeps indicating that the alarm is operating normally. [www.kidde.com]

The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing alarms every month, and replacing any device that is more than 10 years old.

STATISTICS:

According to the United States Fire Administration, smoke detectors save lives:

Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.

More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Source: www.usfa.fema.gov/

FIRE FACTS:

According to the United States Fire Administration, smoke detectors save lives:

Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.

More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Source: www.usfa.fema.gov/

As an entity of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the U.S. Fire Administration is to support and strengthen fire and emergency medical services and stakeholders to prepare for, prevent, mitigate and respond to all hazards.