Heed the beep where you sleep: the Delaware Fire Department is sounding the alarm on fire safety during this year’s Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 6 through October 12. The suitably themed “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you” campaign aims to lower the risk of fatal home fires, according to the City of Delaware.
Statistical evidence from the fire department reveals that having operational smoke alarms slashes the risk of perishing in a home conflagration by an astounding 54 percent. Yet, a staggering three out of five fire-related deaths occur in residences lacking functional smoke alarms. According to the City of Delaware officials, it's not only about installing these devices but ensuring they perform their vital tasks when the unexpected strikes.
Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at the National Fire Protection Association, emphasizes the importance of working smoke alarms as a home’s initial safeguard against fires. "Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people," Carli stated via the City of Delaware officials. She advocates for the 2024 Fire Prevention Week campaign as an exceptional opportunity to better inform the public about necessary precautions, ensuring that homes are equipped with smoke alarms in all required spots and confirming they're in proper working order.
According to the City of Delaware’s fire chief, Tim Pyle, functional smoke alarms are important, "Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely." Pyle is championing this year’s campaign for its educational potential and as a call to action for Delawareans to verify that their smoke alarms won’t falter when every second counts.
