Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Health and the Office of the State Fire Marshal are urging residents to focus on smoke alarm safety during Fire Prevention Week, which takes place from October 6-12, 2024. This initiative follows Governor Jim Justice's declaration for the state to observe Fire Prevention Week.

Cabinet Secretary Sherri Young emphasized the importance of fire safety: “Fire safety is crucial and something that we should be thinking about year-round,” she said. “Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time to start implementing these safety checks into your routine. Even small changes can make the biggest impact on your health and wellbeing, and, hopefully, can prevent a life-threatening emergency.”

Smoke detectors play a vital role in fire safety by reducing the risk of dying in a fire by nearly half. Residents are advised to install alarms on every level of their homes and outside each sleeping area. The devices should be tested monthly using the 'test' button and have new batteries installed annually. Full replacement of smoke detectors is recommended every ten years.

To prevent nuisance alarms, it is suggested to clean away cobwebs or dust or use the system’s hush feature instead of disabling an active alarm.

Additional recommendations include installing carbon monoxide detectors in central home locations, ensuring fire extinguishers are functional, preparing a go-bag for emergencies, teaching children about smoke alarms, conducting home fire drills, developing escape plans with designated meeting places for emergencies.

State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree highlighted modern risks: "Fire spreads more quickly now than ever before in residential settings due to contents and materials occupying these structures," he stated. He advised having operating smoke alarms and automatic sprinkler systems if possible and stressed that escaping within three minutes of a fire starting is crucial.

In case of a fire, residents should leave immediately and call 9-1-1 without re-entering their homes.

For further resources during Fire Prevention Week, individuals can visit the American Red Cross website or contact local fire stations.