National Fire Prevention Week is here

National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 9-15 and Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens wants to encourage everyone to observe this year’s theme of, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”

“The dense smoke and heat from a house fire can cause people to panic,” Hudgens said. “Having working smoke alarms throughout your home can greatly increase your chances of survival.”

A recent survey conducted by National Fire Protection Agency revealed that only a small percentage of people know exactly how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. It is recommended that a smoke alarm be replaced every 10 years from the date listed on the device, not the date of purchase.

So far in 2016, fire has claimed the lives of 105 Georgians, with 92 of those deaths occurring in residential housing. In 83 of the residential housing deaths, fire investigators were unable to determine if a working smoke alarm was present.

Commissioner Hudgens recommends that you dust and test smoke alarms monthly. He also suggest that families plan and practice their home escape routes so everyone in the home knows what to do in case of an emergency.

If you are a Georgia resident and cannot afford to purchase a smoke alarm please contact your local fire department for assistance.