State of Delaware

10/06/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Fire Prevention Month 2024


As Fire Prevention Month begins, the Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office urges Delawareans to make sure their smoke alarms are working. The theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2024 is "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!".
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. Tragically, this year, we have had 12 fire fatalities, 9 of which had no working smoke detectors present in the home.
Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people's lives. This year's fire prevention campaign helps better educate the public about simple, but critical, steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they're working properly.
Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely.
Smoke alarm 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 when they are 10 years old.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office is proud to participate in numerous Open Houses across the State of Delaware promoting smoke alarms and supporting Delaware Fire Companies in their fire prevention efforts:
October 6th‐ Rehoboth Beach Fire Company, October 7th- Clayton Fire Company, October 9th- Holloway Terrace Fire Company, October 9th- Minquas Fire Company, October 19th- Elsmere Fire Company, October 27th- Laurel Fire Company, and November 2nd - Townsend Fire Company.
For more information about fire prevention and smoke alarms, visit statefiremarshal.delaware.govor fpw.org.