Fire Prevention Week Aims to Educate and Save Lives

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Fire Prevention Week is being recognized October 9th through 15th. This year's theme, "Protect Your Family from Fire," focuses on how to protect our families from fire by planning ahead and integrating simple behaviors into everyday life. By equipping our homes with fire prevention and protection systems, and paying attention to potential fire hazards, we can make a difference that will last a lifetime and help prevent fire injuries, deaths, and property loss. This year, additional emphasis is being placed on home fire escape planning, smoke alarms, and home fire sprinklers.

Studies have shown that a smoke alarm is one of the most effective and least- expensive tools you can employ to dramatically increase your chances for surviving a fire. In fact, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by half. However, in order for a smoke detector to do its job, it must be present, properly located, and functioning properly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside all sleeping areas, and on every level of the home, including the basement. It is recommended that smoke alarms be tested once a month using the test button, changing batteries twice a year, and replacing smoke alarms every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer. Fire Prevention Week is a perfectopportunity to determine if your home has the proper level of smoke alarm protection.

In recognition of the week, and to serve as reminders to the community, banners will be displayed at all Fire Stations in the City of Suffolk. Firefighters and Fire Marshal's Office staff will be visiting churches, schools, civic groups, and other organizations during Fire Prevention Month presenting programs to support this year's theme. An information booth will also be set up in the City's Peanut Fest tent.

The Fire and Life Safety House will be in operation at Peanut Fest and other events during the month allowing children to learn firsthand how to crawl out of a burning building, in addition to other important fire safety information.

For more information regarding Fire Prevention Week, and general fire and injury prevention, or to schedule a presentation during Fire Prevention Month (October), citizens may call the Fire Marshal's Office at 514-4540 or 514-4550. For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.nfpa.org or http://www.firepreventionweek.org.



Author:Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue Press Release