Fire Prevention Week 2015: 'Hear the BEEP, where you SLEEP'

National Fire Prevention Week, commemorating the great Chicago fire of 1871, will be recognized this year between October 4 - 10 and will focus on the theme of “Hear the BEEP, where you SLEEP”. During this year’s fire safety campaign fire departments will be spreading the word about smoke alarms and having smoke alarms in every bedroom.
According to the latest NFPA research, almost two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes without a functioning smoke alarm. Installing and maintaining working smoke alarms improves chances of surviving a house fire by more than 50 percent.
“During a fire event, seconds count,” explains City of Charleston Fire Marshal Mike Julazadeh, “Roughly one-half of all home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are sleeping. Smoke alarms provide early notification and increase your chances of escaping unharmed.”
Residents are encouraged to visit the NFPA website at www.FPW.org to learn more about smoke alarms. Below are a few safety tips that firefighters and safety advocates will be emphasizing during National Fire Prevention Week:
• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside and outside of each sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms on a monthly basis.
• Consider interconnected smoke alarms in your home. Interconnected smoke alarms will activate all alarms when one alarm is activated.
• Replace all smoke alarm batteries once a year.
• Ensure that each member of the household is familiar with the sound of the smoke alarm and understands how to respond.
• Create a fire escape plan with your family. Walk through your home and inspect all possible escape routes. Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone can meet. Practice your plan often, making the drill as realistic as possible.
The Charleston Fire Department will be conducting several fire safety events throughout the entire month of October at various schools and businesses.
Residents in need of a smoke alarm, alarm batteries or need assistance testing their alarms should contact their local fire department for assistance. For Daniel Island and Cainhoy, contact City of Charleston - Charleston Fire Department : 843-720-1981. For Mt. Pleasant, contact Town of Mount Pleasant - Mount Pleasant Fire Department: 843-884-0623.