DETROIT – Did you know the winter months are a peak time for fire-related deaths? That’s one reason Local 4 is highlighting Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12. It’s a good chance for families to check their smoke detectors, add smoke detectors as needed, and do a fire safety sweep through their homes before winter settles in.
In 2024, the National Fire Protection Association is focusing on smoke alarms as part of the annual safety push. The official theme is “Smoke alarms: make them work for you!” That organization says its data shows the majority of U.S. home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no alarms that actually work.
The Detroit Fire Department is teaming up with the NFPA to improve fire safety for thousands of families in the city. You can see a list of three of the department’s events at the end of this article. Meantime, the NFPA says having a smoke alarm that works in your home reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 54%.
Some of key messages:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on each level—including the basement.
- 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.
On Oct. 4, Local 4 also went live into a Detroit resident’s home with Fire Marshal Thomas to do a smoke alarm assessment and look for potential fire hazards that can be remediated. Homeowner Nicole Thomas was kind enough to invite the fire department and Local 4 into her home to have a look around for any lessons that might help protect everyone.
Fire Marshal Thomas mentioned that a smoke alarm directly in the kitchen might actually be a bad idea because it may go off too often while cooking, which would cause families to not take the alarm seriously when it goes off. Placing itat least 6 feetaway from the stove is a good way to make sure that casual cooking doesn’t set it off.
However, the kitchen is the most common place where fires do typically start. Fire Marshal Thomas says having a fire extinguisher in your kitchen might be something that you’d want to consider to keep your family safe.
Many local fire departments are holding events to spread the word. Check with the department in your community if you’re interested in learning more.
The Detroit Fire Department has long installed smoke detectors for free, but this year, it’s launching a large-scale plan to bring fire safety tools to between
1,000 and 1,600 homes in the city. The only requirement is to be a resident of Detroit. The first 30 residents who sign up for installation at each event will also receive free fire extinguishers.
Detroit Fire Department events
Sunday, Oct. 6: 12 to 3 p.m. at Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere
Monday, Oct. 7: 4 to 7 p.m. at Engine 54,16825 Trinity Street
Saturday, Oct. 12: 12 to 3 p.m. at Engine 56,18601 Ryan Road