09/26/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Sept. 26, 2024
CONTACTS: Cathy Taylor, Fire Prevention Coordinator
[email protected] I 424-443-4081
Fire Prevention Week events emphasize working smoke alarms to save lives
SANTA MONICA, CA. (Sept. 26, 2024) – Two free community events and various activities
emphasizing the importance of working smoke alarms will be hosted by the Santa Monica Fire
Department this Fire Prevention Week Oct.6-12.
The planned community events reflect this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke alarms: Make
them work for you” and the Santa Monica Fire Department partners this year with the American Red
Cross and the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention
Week for more than 100 years — to stress the importance of working smoke alarms in the home.
According to the NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of fatality in a home fire by 54 percent.
Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no
working smoke alarms.
“Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get
out safely,” Santa Monica Fire Marshal Joe Cavin said. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is
a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”
The Santa Monica Fire Department also offers key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (such as 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.
“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order
to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “This year’s
Fire Prevention Week 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.”
In addition to learning about safety tips and guidelines, the Santa Monica community is invited to
participate in Fire Prevention Week events and activities, including:
Sunday, October 6, 2024, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Sign up for Free Smoke Alarm Installation at Santa Monica
Main Street Farmers Market. The Fire Department will provide information on how to sign up with
the American Red Cross. Come learn about this year theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for
you” and giveaways during the popular Main Street market, at 2640 Main St.
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m. Fire Prevention Week Proclamation at Santa Monica City Hall. The City
Council will proclaim Oct. 6-12 as Fire Prevention Week at Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main St.
Saturday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Open House at Fire Station 1: Participants can get a close-up view
to a working fire station. Fire department is teaming up with the American Red Cross to provide free
smoke alarms installations. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the Sound the Alarm program
with the American Red Cross. All ages welcome. Fire Station 1 is located at 1337 7th St.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Santa Monica, please contact
the Santa Monica Fire Department at (310) 458-8761. For more information about Fire Prevention
Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.
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