Each year, our nation recognizes Fire Prevention Week during the month of October. This tradition dates back to the early 1900s as a way to remember the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which tragically killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,400 structures.
On its 40th anniversary, the Fire Marshals Association of North America decided that the week should be observed in a way which raises awareness of the importance of fire prevention. As a result, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announces a different theme each year and has covered everything from safe cooking practices to devising a fire escape plan. This year’s theme is “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep: Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm.”
When it comes to safety, knowledge is a key factor. Whether it’s a natural disaster or an accident at home, there are often simple steps that someone can take to minimize their risk and maximize safety, like making sure that every smoke alarm is working properly. Unfortunately, a recent online questionnaire distributed by the NFPA indicated that 42 percent of approximately 36,000 respondents did not know that a smoke alarm should be installed in each bedroom.
According to NFPA statistics, half of all U.S. home fire deaths happen between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are sleeping. For this very reason, the National Fire Alarm Code requires a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. By alerting people in a timely manner, smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death.
As a former firefighter – who has seen first-hand the consequences of non-working smoke alarms – I cannot overemphasize the importance of being prepared and having a working smoke alarm in every room of the house, especially in the places where you sleep. This is your greatest defense.
It is also important to ensure that our younger Hoosiers are aware of these guidelines as well. Recently, members of the Greensburg Fire Department taught students at Greensburg Elementary School about the importance of having a functional smoke detector. Students also learned about “stop, drop and roll,” when to call 911 and how to escape a smoke-filled room. Ultimately, their homework assignment for the day was to locate the smoke detectors in their home.
As my kids were growing up, fire safety was a frequent topic of discussion in our home. I hope that you will take a moment during fire prevention week to talk to your children not only about the dangers of fire, but also the ways they can protect themselves.
To learn more about fire safety, please visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security website at www.in.gov/dhs/3175.htm. You can also contact my office anytime via phone at 317-234-3827 or via email at h67@iga.in.gov. For families who cannot afford a smoke detector, some local fire departments, including Greensburg, will provide and install a smoke detector at little to no cost.
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