COLUMBUS – The Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is again teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to highlight Fire Prevention Week, which kicks-off Sunday, Oct. 6, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 12.

This year’s campaign theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you,”said a press release from the Ohio Department of Commerce. The campaign aims to educate individuals about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

According to the NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54%). In addition, occupants in homes without working smoke alarms are more likely to be injured in the event of a fire.

“Working smoke alarms provide occupants with valuable life-saving minutes during a home fire, which could make a difference in terms of whether you and your family are able to escape safely,” said Anita Metheny, Fire Prevention Bureau Chief at SFM, in the release. “Fire Prevention Week serves as a great and important reminder for everyone to avoid falling into a sense of complacency and always to make sure they have working smoke alarms in their home.”

Ohioans are urged to follow the below safety tips and guidelines:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) 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 once they are 10 years old.

If individuals are in need of smoke alarms, they should contact their local fire department or the local chapter of the Red Cross.

Ohioans also are encouraged to develop an escape plan that includes two ways out of every room in the home as well as an established meeting place outdoors. They should also make sure family members understand and practice the plan monthly, as practice allows everyone in the home to know what to do in the event the alarm sounds.

For more smoke alarm facts and safety tips, click here. https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/com.ohio.gov/SFM/Prevention/Fire_SmokeAlarmBrochure.pdf