President Joe Biden issued a proclamation on Fire Prevention Week, which falls on October 6-12 this year. The proclamation calls on “all Americans to participate in this observance with appropriate programs and activities and by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences.”
“During Fire Prevention Week, we honor our first responders and firefighters for keeping us safe. We recommit to supporting all Americans rebuilding their lives after a fire. And we spread awareness about smoke alarms and fire safety,” Biden stated in a White House press release.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the international sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, has chosen this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The campaign aims to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
According to the NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 54%. However, about three out of five fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
“Compliance with smoke detector regulations is mandatory for homeowners, landlords, and property managers to ensure the safety and well-being of occupants,” according to Dyez Fire Protection.
The cost of obtaining a smoke alarm should not be an issue, as Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) provides free smoke alarms and alarm installation to Dallas homeowners.
“If a resident is a renter, DFR will notify the owner/management to provide this resource to the resident. To request a smoke alarm, Dallas residents can call 214-670-7016 or 3-1-1,” the City of Dallas said in a press release.
Dallas Fire-Resue is hosting a Fire Safety Education & Health Fair on October 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center located at 5150 Mark Trail Way to celebrate Fire Prevention Week.
The event will feature fire trucks, bounce houses, free food, drinks, prizes, music, and visits by Sparky the Fire Dog. Attendees can also sign up for free smoke alarms and home safety inspections.
Dallas Fire-Rescue and NFPA offer the following smoke alarm guidelines:
- 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.
“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people,” said Interim Fire Chief Justin Ball. “Dallas Fire-Rescue knows the importance of educating the public about simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have working smoke alarms that can help keep their families safe.”
National Fire Prevention Week has been observed every October since 1925 in the United States. Each year, the event falls on the Sunday-to-Saturday week surrounding October 9 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The two-and-a-half-day blaze on October 8 – 10 destroyed 3.3 square miles of the city, burning more than 17,000 structures, leaving more than 100,000 residents homeless, and killing approximately 300 people.