Fire Prevention Week

October 4th through 10th is Fire Prevention Week.  This year's theme is "Hear the BEEP, where you SLEEP."   

Did you know that roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep? Smoke alarms save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. In fact, having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half!

So check your smoke detectors, and install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement. Larger homes may need even more alarms. 

Here are two other facts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to spur you to action:

Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.

More than one-third (37 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

Below are some links you will find helpful in making your home safer from fire.

Home safety checklist for homeowners and renters:

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/fief/up_in_smoke_home_checklist.pdf

Fire escape planning:

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/escape.html

Fire protection technology information: 

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/technology/

So make sure to check your alarms, change the batteries if needed, and insure that everyone in your home can Hear the BEEP, Where you SLEEP!