Today, HVFC’s Fire Prevention Week visits started at Berry Patch Early Learning Center to discuss fire safety. We look forward to visiting several schools and day care centers this month.

We urge all residents to make sure their smoke alarms are working. The theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2024 is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!TM

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.

Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely.

HVFC offers these key smoke alarm safety tipsand 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.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.