The Fargo Fire Department Encourages Citizens to Participate in Fire Prevention Week

The Fargo Fire Department Encourages Citizens to Participate in Fire Prevention Week

This year's key message is "Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You!"

10/04/2024

The Fargo Fire Department encourages citizens to participate in Fire Prevention Week from October 6-12. This is part of a nationwide effort united under the campaign: "Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You!" The campaign aims to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. More information on the broader campaign can be found at FirePreventionWeek.org.

Smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 54 percent, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 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. "This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they're working properly."

The Fargo Fire Department wants to share these important 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 all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.