State Marks National Fire Prevention Week

This week is National Fire Prevention Week and Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens wants to encourage everyone to observe the theme of, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”

A recent survey conducted by the National Fire Protection Agency revealed that only a small percentage of people know exactly how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced.

Hudgens said that it is recommended that a smoke alarm be replaced every 10-years from the date listed on the device, not the date of purchase.

His office said that so far in 2016, fire has claimed the lives of 105 Georgians, with 92 of those deaths occurring in residential housing.

According to Hudgens, in 83 of the residential housing deaths, fire investigators were unable to determine if a working smoke alarm was present.

Commissioner Hudgens recommended that people dust and test smoke alarms monthly, explaining that having working smoke alarms throughout a home can greatly increase the chances of survival.

He also suggested that families plan and practice their home escape routes so everyone in the home knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Hudgens said anyone who is a Georgia resident and cannot afford to purchase a smoke alarm should contact their local fire department for assistance.