Eugene Springfield Fire urges all residents to Don't Wait, Check the Date and Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 years!
Does your home have a smoke alarm? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes. But, do you know how old your smoke alarms are? If you are like most people, you're probably not so sure.
A recent survey conducted by NFPA revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. That lack of awareness is a concern for Eugene Springfield Fire, NFPA and fire departments around the country, because smoke alarms don't last forever.
"Time and again, I've seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I have also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren't working properly," says Fire Chief Joe Zaludek. "That's why we're making a concerted effort to educate residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have life span." Looking at fatal residential fires here in Oregon, smoke alarms were present in 49% of the homes, but only 37% of them were working.
As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA is promoting this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, "Don't Wait - Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years," to better educate the public about the critical importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they're 10 years old. Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, 2016.
Eugene Springfield Fire will be participating in Fire Prevention activities throughout the month of October. Starting with Jerry's Safety Saturday on Oct 1 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Springfield Jerry's Home Improvement Center and continuing with visiting every 2nd grade classroom in Eugene and Springfield the last two weeks of the month.
To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date (not the date of purchase). Eugene Springfield Fire also reminds residents that smoke alarms should be tested monthly.