Fire Prevention Week In Pitt County
Source: Brian Stablyk / Getty
The Pitt County Fire Marshal’s Office and Emergency Management
(PCEM) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—to promote Fire
Prevention WeekTM (FPW), October 6-12, 2024. This year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms:
Make them work for you!TM,” 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.
Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no
working smoke alarms.
“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in
order to protect people,” says Lorraine Carli, NFPA Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy.
The Pitt County Fire Marshal’s Office encourages all residents to embrace the 2024 Fire
Prevention Week theme.
“Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time
to get out safely,” says Jay Morris, PCEM Deputy Director, Fire Marshal. “This year’s Fire
Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act
on them.”
The Fire Marshal’s Office suggests 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.
• Interconnected, dual sensor ionization-photoelectric fire alarms are recommended.
• 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 smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
Source: PEO Productions / PEO Productions
