BEDFORD — As part of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, titled “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!™,” the Bedford Fire Department focuses on the critical role of functional smoke alarms in preventing home fire fatalities.
Fire Prevention Week is October 7-11. Bedford Fire Department firefighters will present a fire prevention program at Bedford schools on October 7, 8, and 9.
Shane Nolan, Fire Prevention Coordinator for the Bedford Fire Department, is on a mission to ensure that every student in grades Kindergarten through 6th receives a smoke alarm to take home. Nolan emphasizes the importance of these devices, stating, “Smoke alarms save lives, and we aim to have at least one in every home.”
To achieve this goal, Nolan is appealing to the community for cash donations. These funds will help provide smoke alarms to families in Bedford and ensure that every household is prepared in case of a fire.
Donations can be made by contacting the Bedford Fire Department at its headquarters, 1900 H Street, or by calling 812-275-4544.
According to recent U.S. news reports, 1,403 home fire fatalities occurred between January 1 and September 10, 2024. Of these, 34 occurred in Indiana, as reported by the U.S. Fire Administration.
Nolan underscores the importance of smoke alarms, explaining, “A smoke alarm continuously monitors for smoke and emits a loud alarm when it detects any. This early warning can provide the crucial time a family needs to escape a fire. Sadly, about two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in residences without smoke alarms or with non-functioning alarms.”
Community support is vital in this initiative to protect lives and improve fire safety in Bedford.
Install
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
Test
Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
Replace
Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old or stop responding when tested.
