Does your home have a smoke alarm? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one. But do you know how old your smoke alarms are? If you’re like most people, you’re probably not so sure.
A recent survey conducted by NFPA revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. That lack of awareness is a concern for Manchester Fire-Rescue and NFPA, along with fire departments throughout the country, because smoke alarms don’t last forever.
“Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” says George Chambers, Chief of the Manchester Fire-Rescue. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Manchester residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”
NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code®, requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk.
As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA is promoting this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, October 9-15, 2016 “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.
Manchester Fire-Rescue has teamed with the State Fire Marshalls (Get Alarmed Program) office to provide FREE smoke alarms for residents in Manchester. Contact someone on their team to schedule to have FREE smoke alarms installed in your home. Contact Manchester Fire-Rescue at 931-728-2999 to schedule an appointment.
To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date (not the date of purchase).
Manchester Fire-Rescue also says smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.
For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years”, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.

October 21st is going to be the 6th Annual Team Up to Tackle Breast Cancer event at the Coffee County home football game versus Blackman at 7 p.m. Farm Bureau Insurance is sponsoring the event that night by purchasing pink jerseys for the football team to wear during the game. All other participants of the night such as the cheerleaders, dance team members, and band members will also be sporting pink for the night. Fans are encouraged to participate by purchasing the t-shirt designed for the event. Anyone wishing to purchase a shirt can contact any Coffee County CHS FBLA member or contact the high school at 931.723.5159. Shirts are on sale now. The shirts are long-sleeved costing $15 and $18 for extended sizes. All proceeds from the shirts will be donated to the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition to assist breast cancer patients in Coffee County. Let’s all team up with Coffee County CHS and FBLA to tackle breast cancer.

Old Timers Day begins Friday night in Manchester and will run throughout the day on Saturday. The theme of this year’s event is “Honoring Our Hometown Heroes”.
Being honored this year will be Manchester Police Department Captain Dwight Vandergriff, Manchester Fire Department, Emmett “Casey” Wright, Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Pam Freeman, 911 Communication Center director Dianne Argraves, Coffee County Rescue Squad’s Neal Simmons, Coffee County Ambulance Service’s Tommy Grey, New Union Volunteer Fire Department’s Jeff Tomes, Hickerson Station Volunteer Fire Department’s Gene Nickles, Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department’s Keith James, a member of Summitville Volunteer Fire Department and North Coffee Volunteer Fire Department’s James Teal.
Manchester’s Old Timers Day parade Grand Marshall is local personality Sally Berryman. The parade begins at 10am Saturday. All activates are on the square.