Statesville Fire Department Urges Residents to Check Smoke Alarms as Fire Prevention Week Approaches

The Statesville Fire Department is proud to partner with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), which has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years. This year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™”, is focused on educating the community about the critical importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes.

According to the NFPA, working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 54 percent. However, nearly three out of five fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or with alarms that aren’t functioning properly.

“Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of outreach and advocacy. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is designed to educate the public on the simple yet essential steps to ensure that smoke alarms are installed correctly and function properly.”

The Statesville Fire Department strongly encourages all residents to actively support this year’s FPW theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”

“Working smoke alarms can be the difference between life and death in a home fire, giving people the time they need to get out safely,” said Pete Morrison, Statesville Fire Marshal. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a timely reminder for everyone to check their smoke alarms and act on these important messages.”

Here are some key smoke alarm safety tips from the Statesville Fire Department:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of your home (including the basement).
• Ensure that smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Test smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button.
• Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

If you are a city resident and need a smoke detector, please contact the Statesville Fire Department at 704-832-3876. To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarm safety, visit fpw.org.