Fire safety tips for this year’s Fire Prevention Week

From: Environmental Health and Safety

Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 6-12. This year’s campaign from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) is, “Smoke alarms; Make them work for you!” to highlight the importance of having working smoke alarms installed in the home.

According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 54 percent. Make sure to have a smoke alarm installed in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on each level of the home. For those who are hard of hearing or deaf, use a special alarm with strobe lights or bed shakers.  

Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month by pushing the test button located on the device. Replace the alarm when it stops responding to the test or when they are 10 years old. 

Refer to the fire safety tips webpage created by Virginia Tech’s Environmental Health and Safety to keep you safe here and at home.