The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)announces "Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month" as this year's Fire Prevention Week theme. Fire Prevention Week occurs annually in October during the week in which October 9th falls, commemorating the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left more than 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres.
The NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.
Did you know that many people do not test their smoke alarms as often as they should? When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need working smoke alarms to give you time to get out! According to the NFPA, in 23 percent of the home fire deaths, smoke alarms were present but did not sound. Having a working smoke alarm in the home cuts the risk of dying in a fire in half.
"Smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire, but they need to be working," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. "Unfortunately, many home fire deaths result from fires where a smoke alarm is present but does not operate. This year's Fire Prevention Week theme focuses on motivating people to test their smoke alarms each month to make sure they are working properly." Always remember, change your smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, and replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years. Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home, near bedrooms, and make sure you can hear them with your door closed!
Keeping this great message in mind, if while you are testing your smoke alarm, you have any questions, discover a dead battery, or faulty smoke alarm; do not hesitate to contact the Boulder City Fire Department for help at 702-293-9228.
Visit Roger at http://www.bcnv.org/CityCouncil/Tobler.asp. |
