MCFR and Sparky the Fire Dog to Visit Schools For Fire Prevention Week and Teach Children the ‘Sounds of Fire Safety’

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years — to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” The sounds of fire safety include smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The campaign works to educate everyone about necessary actions to keep themselves and those around them safe from fire.

Monroe County Fire Rescue will be doing outreach programs for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 3-9, in nine schools and daycares in Monroe County Fire Rescue’s jurisdiction to teach children the sounds of fire safety. There will also be a meet and greet with Sparky the Fire Dog and a fire truck tour.

“Understanding the sounds of an alarm makes a difference between a working detector or one that will potentially fail. Look for the lights, listen to the beeps, and change your batteries regularly,” Monroe County Fire Marshal RL Colina said. “When you hear an alarm activate, always put your plan into action and get out. We can all do our part in saving lives.”

According to NFPA, roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Safety tips for Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Change batteries twice a year. A good reminder is when the clock “falls back” and “springs ahead.”
• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond. Practice several ways on how to exit the house in case of a fire. Have a plan on where to meet outside of the home away from danger.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.fpw.org.