CALDWELL, Idaho — Fire departments around the Treasure Valley are working to make sure every house has working smoke detectors.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke detectors reduce the risk of dying in a house fire by 54%.
The Caldwell Fire Department is spending this Fire Prevention Week visiting schools to educate students on the importance of smoke alarms and fire safety.
Caldwell Fire Prevention Officer Joe Bongiorno said they hope their visits make an impact students take home.
"Typically working smoke detectors if, there is a fire in the house, the smoke detector is going to be the number one early notification that, hey, there's something going wrong in your house and you need to get out. So, we want to make sure you have functioning smoke detectors so you can get out of the house quickly," said Bongiorno.
Caldwell Fire shared these tips for fire prevention:
- Each home should have smoke detectors in each bedroom and just outside sleeping areas like hallways.
- Make sure the alarms work for all members of the family like those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Test all detectors at least once a month.
- Replace alarms when they are 10 years old.
This week, Caldwell Fire is doing Smoke Detector Blitzes where firefighters visit mobile home parks and apartment complexes checking to make sure all have working smoke detectors.
If you have questions about smoke detectors, contact your local fire department.
The National Fire Prevention Association has additional educational information and details on where you can access smoke alarms.