It’s time for Fire Prevention Week, and from October 5-11 the Office of the State Fire Marshal is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and fire departments throughout the State to remind residents that ‘Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives, Test Yours Every Month.’ During this year’s fire safety campaign, fire departments will be spreading the word about the dangers of fires in the home, most of which can be prevented by performing basic life safety measures. Additionally, citizens will be reminded of the importance and value of maintaining working smoke alarms.
According to the latest NFPA research, about two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted in home fires in which there was a non-working smoke alarm or no smoke alarm was present.
“All too often a tragedy occurs involving a dwelling fire that claims the life of an occupant and/or occupants,” said State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci. “Sadly, in many of these occurrences, a lack of operating smoke alarms is revealed during the investigation. It is our hope that ‘Fire Prevention Week’ will help us reach folks throughout the State of Maryland before they’ve suffered a tragic loss resulting from the effects of fire.”
Below are some of the safety tips that firefighters and safety advocates will be emphasizing:
- Maintain smoke alarms on every level of the home, in bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
- Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
- Replace batteries in smoke alarms that have replaceable 9-volt batteries every year.
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in homes with fuel fired appliances. CO alarms should be placed on every level of the home and should be replaced every 7 years.
Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country. Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record.
