In an annual bid to raise awareness about the importance of fire safety, Governor Josh Green, M.D. of Hawai‘i has announced "Fire Prevention Week" to span from October 6 to 12, with a potent theme, "Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!" according to a press release from the Governor's Office. State Fire Council Chair Chief Kazuo Todd and other fire chiefs from across the state stood with Governor Green as he signed the proclamation to push residents into being proactive about fire prevention, especially in their homes.
"Something everyone can do at home is check their smoke alarm batteries once a month. Once a year, get a new battery in there and make sure it works. Everyone can do that — and please help a neighbor who may be a kupuna to make sure theirs are in working order," Governor Green enlightened the public in his remarks. The call is clear-cut, simple actions such as routine checks of smoke alarms can make a difference, more detailed advice on installation and monthly testing of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are available on the National Fire Protection Association website, as reported by the Governor's Office.
The significance of Fire Prevention Week is underscored by recollections of the devastating Maui wildfires on August 8, 2023. "Working smoke alarms play a crucial role in alerting residents to a fire in their home, giving them time to escape," explained Maui Fire Department Chief Brad Ventura, highlighting the department's collaboration with the American Red Cross to install smoke detectors for kūpuna and lower-income residents, with 235 installations so far in 2024. In a show of solidarity and remembrance, Honolulu Hale will light up in red from sundown on October 6 to sunrise on October 7 as a nod to the launch of Fire Prevention Week, as per the Governor's Office news release.
Ahead of this week, "Governor Green’s proclamation is an important reminder that fire prevention requires everyone’s effort, especially as the threat of wildfires continues to grow," Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson told attendees at a recent community event, emphasizing the proactive approach needed for fire safety beyond mere reaction to incidents; the event was a cooperative effort with the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center and took place on Saturday. The Governor's proclamation also highlighted the multifaceted nature of fire prevention, acknowledging state departments like DLNR in their role in broader public education and prevention measures, as mentioned by the Governor'r Office news release.
Across Hawai‘i, various federal, state, county, and nonprofit organizations have dedicated their efforts to fire prevention and threat mitigation. These organizations stand as a testament to the collaborative work necessary to safeguard the community against the unforgiving nature of fires, whether actioned by handouts, school visits, public service announcements or instilling simple yet potent messages about fire safety precautions.
_1cropped).jpg){kind=link}