VALDOSTA — As Fire Prevention Week approaches, Valdosta Fire Department and State Farm urge residents to make sure their smoke alarms are working.
The Valdosta Fire Department is teaming up with National Fire Protection Association and State Farm agent Travis Pate to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” This campaign works to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home, the VFD said in a press release.
According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). 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 Valdosta Fire Department and State Farm agent Travis Pate encourage all residents to make sure they have properly installed and working smoke alarms.
“Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” Pate said. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”
The Valdosta Fire Department offers these key 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.
To find out more about FPW programs and activities in Valdosta, please contact the Valdosta Fire Department at (229) 333-1835.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.