I would like to inform residents that Building Safety Week is April 4-10 this year. This annual week of recognition presents an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of building safety. I encourage Hempstead Town families to participate in Building Safety Week by promoting safe environments in their homes. Residents can participate by following some home safety tips.

Smoke detectors are an extremely helpful tool in ensuring home safety. The most important thing to remember when installing a smoke alarm is location. Smoke alarms aren't effective unless you can hear them. Having smoke alarms in each bedroom and on each floor of a multi-story home is very important. It is also extremely important that the batteries in the smoke detectors are fresh. A good time to replace the batteries is when the clocks are turned back each year.

In case of an emergency, such as a fire, it is important to keep all windows and hallways clear of obstructions that might prevent you from exiting your house. Remember that large pieces of furniture (headboards, bookcases, dresses, etc.) placed in front of windows can make it difficult for you to get out or for firefighters to get in. It is a good idea to have a fire sprinkler system in your home to slow the spread of a fire, giving your family the time needed to escape and to minimize damage to your home.

In order to prevent a fire, it is important to avoid overloading electrical outlets with more appliances than they are designed to hold. One spark could start a very serious fire. Be sure to use a safe power-strip with surge protection or unplug appliances when they are not being used. Also, avoid using appliances with damaged cords.

Carbon monoxide poses a silent and serious threat for families using fuel-burning heat sources during the winter months. A carbon monoxide detector is critical to alerting families that CO levels may pose a health threat. It is also a good idea to have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up your central heating system each year.

I hope that residents will follow these guidelines, not only during Building Safety Week, but throughout the year because safe buildings save lives.