Fire Prevention week helps families stay informed

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  • By Staff Reports
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Does your home have a smoke alarm? According to the National Fire Protection Association, the answer is likely yes.

NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one. But do you know how old your smoke alarms are? If you’re like most people, you’re probably not 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 the McConnell Fire Department, NFPA and fire departments throughout the country. 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’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” said Staff Sgt. Eloy Garcia, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire emergency services fire inspector. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate McConnell residents on- and off-base about the overall importance of smoke alarms.”

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 smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10 years old. Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15.

National Fire Alarm Code NFPA 72, requires smoke alarms to be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk.

To find out if your smoke alarm is passed its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. Smoke alarms should be replaced 10 years from that date, not the date of purchase. The McConnell Fire Department also recommends smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, which signals they’re running low.

For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” visit www.firepreventionweek.org.