Fire Prevention Month 2024
October is Fire Prevention Month! The goal of Fire Prevention Month (and Fire Prevention Week from October 6th - 12th) is to raise fire safety awareness and help protect homes and families. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established Fire Prevention Week in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Today, we continue this tradition by spreading fire safety awareness and educating families, students, and across our communities.
Fire Safety Awareness
The NFPA’s 2024 campaign for Fire Prevention Month is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™” We are proud to support their mission to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
Did You Know?
- Almost 3 out of every 5 home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms (NFPA).
- Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the US (CDC).
- Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires (NFPA).
- A fire department responds to a fire every 23 seconds in America (NFPA).
Help Protect Life’s Moments
We urge you to practice whole home safety, so you and your family are prepared not only during Fire Prevention Month but throughout the entire year. Having functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your home is crucial. These devices provide your family with an early alert in the event of an emergency, giving you time to safely escape. Smoke and CO alarms should be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, and inside and outside each bedroom for comprehensive protection. Maintain alarms by testing them regularly, changing the batteries every six months, and replacing alarms at least every ten years.
Be Prepared with Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers help stop small fires from causing more damage and should be kept easily accessible on every level of the home, especially in the kitchen and garage. Ensure you know how to operate a fire extinguisher before needing to use one.
Where to Place Smoke Alarms, CO Detectors, and Fire Extinguishers
- Smoke Alarms: Install on every level of the home, inside and outside each bedroom.
- CO Detectors: Place near sleeping areas and on each level of the home.
- Fire Extinguishers: Keep in the kitchen, garage, and near exits.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your home is prepared for any fire or carbon monoxide emergency. If you would like to explore more fire safety resources, check out the NFPA’s website: https://www.nfpa.org/Education-and-Research/Home-Fire-Safety.
Stay safe and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
