CROMWELL - It's time to "fall back." The Everyday Hero CT volunteer firefighter recruitment campaign reminds residents that Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 am, on Sunday, November 5. When setting clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday, November 4, remember to also change smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) detector batteries.

"It's a habit that's both simple and life-saving," says Chief Fred Dudek, Everyday Hero CT program manager. "Yet, so many people ignore their smoke and CO detectors. We urge everyone to not only change their batteries when they change their clocks but also set a reminder to test their alarms once every month."

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms. In homes with working alarms that simply fail to operate, it is usually because of batteries were missing, disconnected, or dead. The Everyday Hero CT program shares the following NFPA guidelines:

*Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

*Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

*Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old.

*Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn't respond properly when tested.

*Smoke alarms with nonreplaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to ten years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

*For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.

Those who have questions about their smoke and CO detectors should contact their local fire department using the nonemergency phone number for assistance.

Newtown's five fire companies are all volunteer driven. Companies are located in the center of town (Hook & Ladder Fire Co. #1, which can be reached at ), as well as within the districts of Botsford (203-270-4397), Dodgingtown (203-270-4386), Hawleyville (203-270-4391), and Sandy Hook (203-270-4392).

Volunteers Needed

Eighty percent of all fire personnel in Connecticut are volunteers, and the majority of fire departments throughout the state are experiencing a volunteer shortage. Local fire departments need volunteers of all skill levels and abilities, people willing and able to respond to emergencies whenever called upon.

"The skills and experience gained as a volunteer firefighter are invaluable and have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others," says Chief Dudek. "Those who join their local fire departments sign up for one of the most rewarding opportunities they'll ever have."

Botsford Fire Rescue is hosting an open house event this weekend. Officers are hoping that members of the public will visit to learn about the company and its apparatus, enjoy a tour of the station at 315 South Main Street, and consider joining.

About Everyday Hero CT

A partnership of the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the Everyday Hero CT campaign is a two-year Volunteer Workforce Solutions (VWS) initiative designed to address the shortage of volunteer firefighters in Connecticut.

It is helping achieve a viable and sustainable volunteer firefighter workforce fire departments throughout the state.

Everyday Hero CT is funded by a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded to the CFCA by the US Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop a model to enhance the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

For more information, visit everydayheroct.org.