HANCOCK COUNTY — Fire Prevention Week lasts through Oct. 12. This year’s theme? “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”
The idea is to strive to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
Whether teaching the information in a classroom, community or in your own home, local fire officials say everyone should educate themselves on the importance of having working smoke alarms.
“This is a very important theme for us as fires today are burning faster and hotter than ever, meaning that every extra second counts,” Greenfield Fire Territory Public Information Officer Luke Eichholtz said.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency(NFPA) properly installed smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a house fire by 60 percent.
“Our fire prevention division takes a very proactive approach to this and installs numerous smoke alarms each year free of charge for residents within our response area,” Eichholtz said. “We also are willing to provide and install specialty alert devices for those who may be hearing impaired to ensure that they are also protected.”
Every 88 seconds, a fire department responds to a workplace fire in the United States. This week’s effort surrounding Fire Prevention Week has a goal to raise awareness of fire hazards and promote fire safety practices in homes and workplaces.
Many of the fire departments in the county have been promoting smoke detectors this week on their social media pages because officials know they can and will save lives. Officials from the GFT have been having their firefighters post small videos with tips saying things such as, “smoke detectors should be installed on every floor inside each bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.”
The GFT officials also showed people how they can check their smoke detectors monthly by pushing the test button which creates a loud piercing sound. If the sound doesn’t blast out after being pushed it’s time to change the battery or get a new smoke detector.
Officials note all smoke alarms should be replaced once they reach 10 years of age regardless. Officials say Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
“We encourage everyone to test and ensure that they have working detectors located throughout their homes,” Eichholtz said. “If Greenfield residents have any questions or need assistance obtaining or installing detectors please call us and we would be happy to assist.”
Anyone in need of smoke detectors in their home are asked to stop by the GFT at 17 W South Street Greenfield, IN 46140 or call them to let them know of the need at 317-477-4430.
