The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced its official theme for the 2024 Fire Prevention Week (FPW), which will be held from October 6th to 12th. The announcement was made at the NFPA Conference and Expo in Orlando, FL, held from June 16 to 18 in Las Vegas, NV. This year’s FPW theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” which aims to educate individuals on the importance of installing smoke alarms in their houses. 

The FPW campaign this year stems from NFPA data, which has showcased that the majority of home fire deaths in the U.S. continue to occur due to a lack of smoke alarm installations or functional smoke alarm systems. 

Lorraine Carli, vice president of the Outreach and Advocacy division at NFPA, said, “People tend to remove smoke alarm batteries or dismantle them altogether when they don’t know how to fix the issue. These actions put them at serious risk in the event of a home fire. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign gives people the tools and know-how to keep their smoke alarms in working order.”

Key Messages of FPW 2024 

• Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on each level of the home.
• Smoke alarms must meet the needs of all family members, especially those with physical disabilities or sensory problems. 
• All smoke alarms must be replaced once they have crossed the threshold of 10 years. 
• Smoke alarms must also be replaced if they fail to function adequately or have stopped responding. 
• Smoke alarms need to be tested at least once a month by pushing the test button.

More About Fire Prevention Week 

Fire Prevention Week is the oldest U.S. public health observance on record. It is celebrated throughout North America every October. For the past 100 years and more, Fire Prevention Week has aimed to impart fire safety education to individuals concerning the risk of home fires and effective ways to minimize them. Local communities and fire departments play an integral role in making Fire Prevention Week a part of their life and help spread awareness and compelling messages about fire safety. 

To watch the ‘Fire Prevention Week 2024 – Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You!’ webinar, click here. 

For more information, visit the official website of NFPA. 

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Source: NFPA