Nelson Fire Rescue Services Reminds Residents — Hear the Beep Where You Sleep.
By Contributor
Location matters when it comes to your smoke alarm. That’s the message behind this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep. Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!”
Along with firefighters and safety advocates nationwide, Nelson Fire Rescue Services (NFRS) is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, to remind local residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
“In a fire, seconds count,” said Fire Chief Len MacCharles.
“Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.”
According to the latest NFPA research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, three out of five fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign includes the following smoke alarm messages:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
- Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
- Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.
- If the smoke alarm sounds, get to your outside meeting place.
- Call the fire department from outside the home.
NFRS will be hosting activities during Fire Prevention Week to promote the message, including door-to-door visits in some areas and school visits throughout Nelson.
In addition, during the week of October 11-17, the fire department will go along with one Panago Pizza delivery each night. If the resident can show a working smoke alarm, he or she will win free pizza.
Those who do not will be given a new alarm, as donated by Maglio Building Center.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week, visit NFPA’s Web site at www.firepreventionweek.organd www.sparky.org/fpw. For information on programs and activities in Nelson, please contact Nelson Fire Rescue Services (NFRS) at 352-3103..
