National Fire Prevention Week is October 6th -12th! This years theme is Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You! The campaign works to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
As Fire Prevention Week approaches fire departments across Douglas County urge residents to make sure their smoke alarms are working.
According to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 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 be working in order to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA.
Smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like 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 the batteries every 6 months. Don't wait for them to beep at you!
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
- Working smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.
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National Fire Resources -
- National Interagency Fire Center: Provides active wild fire maps, prevention information, and more.
- Safe Kids Worldwide: Safe Kids offers various resources, including fire safety tips, videos, and educational materials tailored to different age groups
- Sparky.org: NFPA's Sparky.org is an interactive site with activities, videos, and games to help teach kids about fire safety.
- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): NFPA, a self-funded nonprofit, has become a global advocate for the elimination of death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards
Local Fire & Emergency Services
Be sure to reach out to your local fire department for educational materials, safety classes, and community events about fire safety. Don't forget to schedule a free station tour. The kids will love seeing the fire trucks and meeting the firefighters!
- Castle Pines - South Metro Fire Rescue
- Castle Rock - Castle Rock Fire and Rescue
- Franktown - Franktown Fire Protection District
- Highlands Ranch - South Metro Fire Rescue
- Larkspur - Larkspur Fire Protection District
- Lone Tree - South Metro Fire Rescue
- Parker - South Metro Fire Rescue
- Roxborough - West Metro Fire Rescue
- Sedalia - West Douglas County Fire Protection District
In an Emergency Call 911
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org
