The Norfolk Fire Division is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The campaign works to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

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,” said Sean Lindgren, Fire Marshal. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”

Norfolk Fire offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and 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. 
   

The Norfolk Fire Division is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s campaign, including an Open House, on Sunday, October 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at both Station 1 and Station 2 and a Public Safety Day event, on Saturday October 12 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Norfolk Public Safety Training Facility at 302 East Benjamin Ave.