Cooler temperatures are a reminder of fun fall activities and family gatherings for the holidays. However, the fall and winter months also call for extra precautions. The NYS Division of Consumer Protection, in partnership with the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC), offers these tips to keep you safe.
The CPSC reports that house fires led to an average of over 2,300 deaths, over 10,000 injuries, and $7B in property damage from 2016-2018. Home fires are common, but also preventable. Carbon monoxide associated with generators and home heating systems accounted for the largest percentage of reported fatalities; there were 808 deaths from 2004 through 2013 due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
We urge you to take preventative measures to reduce the risk and protect yourselves, your families, and your community.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
- Make sure your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning by testing them once per month. Both alarms should be battery-operated or have a battery back-up, and batteries should be changed once per year. You should have a separate alarm for each to prevent these separate emergencies.
- Have a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm on every floor, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms. You can check for interconnecting alarms so that one sounds, they all sound.
- Your smoke alarm doesn’t just sound when there is a fire. Learn the difference between the sounds: three loud beeps (continuous) means there is smoke or a fire, and one “chirp” every 30-60 seconds means it is time to change the battery.
- Your smoke alarm must be changed every 10 years. Make sure you find out how old the smoke alarm is when you move into a new residence. If your smoke alarm continues to “chirp” even after you have replaced the battery, it’s time to replace your smoke alarm.
- Most home fires start in the kitchen. Make sure you always keep watch over your cooking and that there is a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Have a fire escape plan and review it with your family. Make sure plans meet the needs of those with disabilities, children, and those with mobility issues in the household.
- Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911.
- On average, one of every 13 hotel or motel reports a structure fire each year. Make sure you are staying at a hotel or motel equipped with smoke alarms and sprinklers, locate the fire exits when you arrive, and review the escape plan with your traveling companions.
- Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician.
- Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, at least 20 feet away from your home.
You can find more sources of information for fire prevention and carbon monoxide safety at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Village of Montgomery Business please stop into the Village Hall and update your business sign(s) Hold Harmless Agreement, as the language has been updated and include an updated certificate of insurance, listing the Village of Montgomery as the additional insured. (Village of Montgomery 133 Clinton Street, Montgomery, NY 12549). If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call the Village Hall at 845-457-9661 Ext. 203, between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
To help with snow removal and keep our roads clear and safe, the Village of Montgomery has specific rules for parking during snowfalls:
- Parking on any public road or street (except New York State highways) is not allowed after 2 inches or more of snow has fallen.
- Vehicles must remain off the roads until the snow has been cleared.
- If you must park, your vehicle must be attended at all times by someone capable of moving it.
Vehicles left unattended during this time will be towed by the Police Department at the owner's expense.
Thank you for helping us keep the roads safe this winter!
As per Village Code: Chapter 114. Vehicles and Traffic Article III. Parking, Standing and Stopping§ 114-21. Snow parking. Click to view the code.
The Building Inspector would like to remind residents that a building permit is required for the replacement of hot air furnaces, hot water tanks, hot water boilers, air conditioning systems, whole-house generators, and for any alterations to gas piping, electrical circuits, roofs, siding, decks, windows, and pools.
For your safety and the safety of others, please ensure walkways and stairs are kept clear of ice and snow.
Winter weather & traffic congestion – Stop Sign Awareness
- If street lights are out, contact police on duty at (845) 457-3666, and they will let DPW know.
- With consideration for the winter weather and traffic congestion please be conscious about driving through the village, especially when school is in session.
- Please be cognizant of the stop signs near the park. Police will step up enforcement near the park for the safety of all our residents and visitors to the park areas.