Fire Prevention Week: Ways to reduce risks and stay safe

JACKSON, Tenn. — Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire. According to the latest National Fire Protection Association data, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half.

Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12. Here are some home fire safety tips to pay attention to.

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on each level of the home. 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 or show signs of malfunction.

“I think it’s just really important for people to remember that home fires can and do happen in the U.S. Each and every day and sometimes they have tragic outcomes so you really can’t afford to not have adequate protection from fires in your home,” said Susan McKelvey, NFPA communications manager.

Fire Prevention Week is celebrated throughout North America every October and is the oldest public health observance on record in the U.S.

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