Written by: TFV-PR • October 29, 2024• Key Largo

MCRF & Sparky the Fire Dog Visit Schools for Fire Prevention Week

Monroe County Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke Alarms, Make them work for you.” The campaign strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

Despite Hurricane Milton, Monroe County Fire Rescue conducted outreach programs for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12, in four schools and daycares in Monroe County Fire Rescue’s jurisdiction and have rescheduled four other schools due to weather-related closures. The firefighters teach children about fire prevention and safety tips, give them tours of the firetrucks, and introduce them to a fan-favorite, Sparky the Fire Dog.

“Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Monroe County Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Craig Marston. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and how to act on them.”

According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Key Safety Tips:

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level of the home.
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 stop responding when tested.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.fpw.org. For more information on Monroe County Fire Rescue, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/firerescue

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