According to the NFPA, “This year’s focus on working smoke alarms comes in response to NFPA data, which shows that the majority of U.S. home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms”.
Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than 50%. Sadly, three out of five deaths occur in homes where there no smoke alarms or smoke alarms did not function correctly. According to the NFPA, “More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present”.
Key messages for this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” include the following:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of th
e 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 or don’t respond when tested.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” visit NFPA Fire Prevention Week. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.
You can also visit Hanover Park Fire Department for more information.