Editorial: Have you checked your smoke alarm recently?

We are coming up on Fire Prevention Month when fire departments nationwide, as part of their mission, bring attention to fire safety in the home. That's a primary focus because that's where people spend the night and are at greatest risk from home fires.Fire Safety Week is Oct. 6-12, so designated to remind homeowners to do the one thing that more than anything else can save lives from fire. And that is to install or replace batteries or smoke detectors, as necessary.More than 2,200 people die each year in home fires, and almost two-thirds of those deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms, or with smoke alarms that don't work.A smoke alarm's warning can cut the risk of dying from a fire in your home by almost half."Our theme for Fire Prevention Week is 'Smoke alarms: make them work for you,'" said Barry Brickey, public education officer for the Kingsport Fire Department.Brickey emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that some homes still do not have smoke alarms and many people are unaware that smoke alarms have lifespans.This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign serves as a crucial reminder for everyone to check their smoke alarms. Teachers and community groups are encouraged to contact the KFD to schedule fire station tours, fire prevention presentations and school visits from the department's fire engine or Sparky the Fire Dog.Brickey said now is the ideal time for KFD to start spreading fire safety and prevention tips, and making itself available to schools.Educating children helps remind parents to not just check detectors, but to develop evacuation plans for the home in the event of fire so that even without parental guidance in event of fire, children know the safest and quickest way to get out of the house."We have thousands of people come in the fall for Fire Prevention Month, and we would love to continue that," Brickey said.To schedule an event with the fire department, contact Brickey at brickey@kingsporttn.gov. And, there's lots of information online.Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association has been helping with everything from fire prevention, wildfire preparedness and electrical safety to hazardous materials, community risk reduction and public safety.NFPA was founded as — and still is — a self-funded nonprofit with a mission of helping save lives and reduce loss.At its website at nfpa.org it provides loads of educational resources to make sure that every person knows what to do in case of a fire."We have everything from apps to videos to printables and much more, to make sure you have the resources you need to keep your family, your community, and your city safe," says NFPA."People tend to remove smoke alarm batteries or dismantle them altogether when they don't know how to fix the issue. These actions put them at serious risk in the event of a home fire," says NFPA.Key messages for this year's Fire Prevention Week theme include: 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.And, replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don't respond when tested.More than 2,200 people die each year in home fires, and almost two-thirds of those deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms, or with smoke alarms that don't work. Test smoke alarms at least once a month, and replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don't respond when tested.