It’s Fire Prevention Week™. This year’s campaign is focused on Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!
Smoke alarms detect the presence of smoke in the air, allowing you time to get to safety in the event of a fire. Another similar, life-saving device is the Carbon Monoxide Alarm. This alarm detects invisible, odorless CO gas which is extremely dangerous.
Make sure both of your alarms are properly placed and installed. Also ensure they are as effective as possible. For example, if you or someone in your household is hard of hearing, invest in a smoke alarm that has visual alerts as well.
When the alarm does go off, what should you expect to hear? Smoke alarms make a loud, high-pitched beeping sound. When you hear a chirping sound, that means the batteries in your alarm need to be replaced. Make sure to test your alarms every month by pressing the test button. You should also clean your smoke alarm regularly by gently vacuuming dirt that could be blocking the sensor. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms every 5-7 years, based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
When the alarm goes off, ensure that you and your household are prepared for the emergency. Be aware of your surroundings and identify your escape route. Most importantly, leave your belongings. Most everything can be replaced, your life cannot. When everyone is safely outside, call 911 and do not re-enter unless told by fire officials that it is safe to do so.
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Since 1922, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.
Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
Each year, Fire Prevention Week is built around a specific theme that highlights different aspects of fire safety. These themes are carefully chosen to focus on critical areas of fire prevention and preparedness.