BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Fire Department (BFD) is participating in Fire Prevention Week with a focus on this year’s theme, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” BFD has scheduled field trips to fire stations and classroom visits to teach students about fire safety.
While the theme centers on smoke alarms, firefighters will also cover topics such as calling 9-1-1, avoiding matches and lighters, and creating home fire escape plans. Fire Prevention Week, observed for over 100 years, educates the public about reducing the risk of home fires.
BFD offers these essential smoke alarm safety tips:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level of the home.
- Ensure smoke alarms meet the needs of family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Replace smoke alarms every ten years or if they fail to respond during tests.
“Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half,” said Fire Prevention Officer Tom Figolah. “Yet, three out of five fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.”
For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit fpw.org. Resources for children and educators are available at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.
