Prairie State Wire

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the theme for Fire Prevention Week, which will take place from October 6-12, 2024. The theme, "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™," aims to educate the public on the importance of having functional smoke alarms in homes.

"It's simple, working smoke alarms save lives! Due to synthetic materials used in modern construction, homes burn hotter and faster, while also emitting toxic smoke limiting the time you have to escape to less than 2-3 minutes. The early warning from smoke alarms could save your life," said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. He encouraged fire departments across the state to plan outreach events promoting fire safety during this week and emphasized regular testing and replacement of smoke/CO alarms.

In 2023, Illinois' "Be Alarmed!" Smoke Alarm Installation Program found that 68% of pre-existing smoke alarms in homes receiving new 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms were non-functional or expired. Currently, 280 active Illinois fire departments from 61 counties participate in this program. More information about the "Be Alarmed!" program is available at www.ifsa.org/alarms.

According to NFPA data, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Approximately three out of five fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

Fire Prevention Week was proclaimed a national observance by President Calvin Coolidge in 1925 and is now the longest-running public health observance in the United States. During this week, educational activities are conducted by firefighters and public safety educators to teach children and adults how to stay safe during fires.

The week is observed annually around October 9th to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire that began on October 8, 1871. This tragic event resulted in over 250 deaths, left 100,000 people homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned over 2,000 acres of land.

Further details about Fire Prevention Week and resources for planning activities can be found at www.fpw.org.