Public Education Programs

Our programs help educate people of all ages!  Our goal is to educate the public on the dangers of fire, provide information to prevent them, and, in the unfortunate instance a fire occurs, provide the tools to ensure safe evacuation.

Some available programs include:

• TAPP-C (The Arson Prevention Program for Children)
• Emergency Preparedness
• Risk Watch
• Older & Wiser

Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2024

This year's theme was " Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” emphasizing the critical role of working smoke alarms in reducing fire-related fatalities and injuries. A functional smoke alarm can be the difference between life and death in a home fire. Once the smoke alarm sounds, you could have as little as two minutes to get out safely. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

Here are some key pieces of advice. Please check your smoke alarms today!

1. Test alarms monthly: You should press the test button on your smoke alarms at least once a month to ensure they work properly.
2. Change batteries yearly: If the smoke alarms are battery-operated, change the batteries at least once a year or whenever your hear that chirping sound, which indicates low power.
3. Know the expiration date: Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Check the back of the alarm for a date of manufacture and replace any unit over 10 years old.
4. Install alarms in the right places: To ensure maximum coverage, make sure they are placed on every level of the home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
5. Use interconnected alarms: Consider upgrading to interconnected alarms, so when one goes off, they all sound—this can give a faster warning throughout the entire home.
6. Consider alarms for specific needs: There are smoke alarms with strobe lights and vibration features for those with hearing impairments, making them more accessible.

Click here for your Smoke Alarms Safety Tip Sheet

Resources

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)