One of the simplest ways for citizens to protect their families from fire is to ensure their homes have working smoke detectors. “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep” is the theme for this year’s National Fire Prevention Week, and the Valdosta Fire Department has once again planned a variety of educational activities for area youth.
 
According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.  A properly working smoke detector may cut these fatalities in half.  That’s one of the messages that thousands of area students are expected to hear during National Fire Prevention Week and throughout the entire month. Through activities such as station tours, school visits, and Fire Safety House presentations, local youth will learn how to locate and test smoke detectors in their homes and other life-saving information.
 
Puppet shows will be held at the Valdosta Mall on Oct. 8, 9, 15, and 16.  Interested individuals or groups should call Valdosta Mall Marketing Director Enid Santana at (229) 242-0457 to attend one of the puppet show performances.
 
Fire prevention education is not just for kids. On Oct. 7, the VFD will also be participating in a Valdosta Habitat for Humanity Freedom Build by installing a residential fire sprinkler system to promote the safety features of these systems. The Freedom House, located at 1007 Lee Street, was originally scheduled to be opened on Sept. 11 in remembrance of 9-11, but was postponed to Fire Prevention Week due to uncontrollable circumstances.
 
“Over 80% of fire deaths occur in the home. While a working smoke detector is indeed critical to saving lives—and citizens should have one installed near every bedroom in the home—most people don’t realize the life- and property-saving characteristics of a residential fire sprinkler system,” said Chief Broome. “Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate to spray water on the fire. Residential fire sprinklers respond quickly and effectively, often extinguishing the fire before the fire department arrives.”