An
upgrading of the manner in which fire alarms are sent from town
buildings to the Fire Department is currently underway.
Presently, a copper wire telephone line runs from each
town building to the alarm panel at the fire station.
This system has been in place for over 30 years and is
prone to failure resulting in costly false alarms.
A few years ago Town Meeting appropriated $55,000 to
switch to a radio frequency system.
Installation work began this week and within a month the
following buildings will be upgraded:
Council on Aging, Presidential Terrace, Russell Memorial
Library, Town Hall, Parting Ways Building, Golf Course
Maintenance, Fire Station #2, Community Center, Town Barn as
well as the Middle and Elementary Schools.
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A
technician installs a radio antenna to Fire Station #2.
When the fire alarm is activated, a radio signal is sent
to the receiving unit at Fire Station #1. |
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A typical
tie-in of the alarm panel with the radio trasmitter.
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New antenna mounted to the roof of the Russell Street
fire station receives radio signals sent from town
buildings. |
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Brand new
computerized receiver unit located in the dispatch room
at Fire Station #1. The new unit visually displays
incoming alarms on a digital computer screen as well as
a printed recording of the alarm, seen at the top right
of the receiver unit. Located nearby the unit is the
battery back-up power supply unit. |
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The former
30 year-old alarm system, located in the dispatch room
at Station 1. Upon completion of the new alarm
installations, this telephone wire operated system will
be retired and subsequently removed from the "desk
room." |
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