The Raleigh Fire Department wants to ensure you have a smoke alarm – and that it works. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is: “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” The week is scheduled for Oct. 6 through Oct. 12.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to work to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps you can take to ensure your home has smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly.”
Life-Saving Difference
The Raleigh Fire Department encourages residents to actively support the campaign. “Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Lt. Lemuel Hubbard.
The Raleigh Fire Department offers these smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (such as a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
- Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.