From Sunday, October 6, to Saturday, October 12, 2024, the Summit Fire Department is joining firefighters across the nation in celebrating Fire Prevention Week. The 2024 theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” and the campaign will work to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. 

“According to the National Fire Protection Agency, having working smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by 54 percent,” explains Fire Chief Eric Evers. “Correctly installing smoke alarms and making sure they are working properly are important steps you can take to keep your family safe. It is our hope that this year’s Fire Prevention Week is a helpful reminder for citizens of the life-saving difference working smoke alarms can make in a home fire.”

The Summit Fire Department is sharing the following safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association for installing and testing smoke alarms.

Installing smoke alarms

• Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Smoke alarms installed in the basement should be installed on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next level.
• Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking.
• For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound. Interconnection can be done using hard-wiring or wireless technology. 

Testing smoke alarms

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep the alarm working well, and for battery replacement. Instructions are included in the package or can be found on the internet.

Visit www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week to view additional tips, resources, and information related to smoke alarms or Fire Prevention Week. For more information on the Summit Fire Department, please visit www.cityofsummit.org/fire.

This information is available on the city website at https://cityofsummit.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2384.