During Fire Prevention Week, Make Sure You Have Working Smoke Alarms
Published on October 08, 2024
The Arlington County Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s national campaign, "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!"
The campaign works to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
The Arlington County Fire Department encourages all residents to actively support the 2024 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!"
"Working smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, making a life-saving difference in a home fire, and giving people the time to get out safely," said Fire Chief David Povlitz. "This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them."
Arlington County Fire Department offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
- Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
- Need help? Residents can request a smoke alarm inspection by logging into the Community Connect platform.
The Arlington County Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, including "Open House" at every Arlington County firehouse on Saturday, October 12, from 10am – 2pm.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Arlington County, please contact the Fire Department at ACFD-CommunityEngagement@arlingtonva.us or visit the County website.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.