Fire Prevention Week
“Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!”
Fire Prevention Week is an annual event that highlights the importance of fire safety and prevention in our community. In 2024, Fire Prevention Week was observed October 6th-12th. In 2025, Fire Prevention Week will be observed from October 5th to October 11th. The West Plains Fire Department encourages everyone to take this opportunity to educate themselves and their families on fire prevention strategies and safety measures.
During Fire Prevention Week, We will be sharing valuable tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe. Some key tips include installing smoke alarms on every level of your home, testing them monthly, and ensuring that everyone in your household knows the sound of the alarm and what to do if it goes off. Additionally, its crucial to have a fire escape plan with at least two ways out of every room and to practice this plan regularly. Remember to keep flammable materials away from heat sources and never leave cooking unattended. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire in your home.
Key messages for this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” include the following:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
- 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 all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.
For more information and resources, check out our Facebook page or contact the West Plains Fire Department at 417-256-2424. Lets work together to make our community safer and more fire-aware.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking safety, visit www.fpw.org.
For fire safety fun for kids, visit sparky.org.