Indian River Promotes Fire Prevention Month – October, 2020

October is Fire Prevention Month! The goal of Fire Prevention Month is to raise awareness about fire prevention, fire safety, and help ensure your home and family is prepared in the event of an unfortunate emergency.

In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October - Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising fire prevention and fire safety awareness as well as educating families, students and communities across the United States. During this month, fire departments educate their communities, and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire safety and whole home safety. The National Fire Protection Association’s 2020 campaign for Fire Prevention Month is "Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen."

During Fire Prevention Month this year, we are urging families to improve their home’s safety by checking their alarms, testing the alarms regularly and adding reliable protection when replacing expired smoke detectors and alarms. We are dedicated to helping protect what matters most because a home emergency can happen at any time and we want you to be prepared.

Fire Prevention Month is the perfect time talk with your whole family about fire safety – include testing alarms, changing the batteries or upgrading to 10-year sealed battery alarm for hassle-free protection, and escape planning.

Did you know that:

• 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms;

• Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan;

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental death;

• 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly*;

• Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home; and

• Just 43% of homeowners have an escape plan*.

Having working alarms installed throughout your home is the first line of defense for fire prevention. They work around the clock to give your family an early notification in the event of an emergency, allowing you time to safely escape. Smoke and CO alarms should be placed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as inside and outside each bedroom. Fire alarms should also be placed on every level of the home, especially in the kitchen and garage'

Your Fire Prevention Committee has worked tirelessly to spread the word about fire prevention, fire safety, and the importance of having an escape plan.

Source:  National Fire Protection Association