Fire Prevention Week begins tomorrow (Sunday), and local firefighters are marking the occasion with educational programs and reminders for Iowans to do the little things to protect their homes and families. The theme for 2024’s Fire Prevention Week is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You.” Carroll Fire Chief Dan Hannasch says these little devices are easily forgotten but play a critical role in alerting people to danger when fires occur.
Hannasch says they started Fire Prevention Week programming a little early this year, and his department has already been out working with kids in the community.
While this year’s theme is focused on smoke alarms, Hannasch says there are plenty of other little things people can do to prevent a fire in their home or business. For example, always keep an eye on cooking food, properly secure outlets when plugged in, and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords. Hannasch says one piece of equipment every home or business should have is a fire extinguisher.
Small fire extinguishers, available for as little as $20, can be the difference between an embarrassing cooking story and a total home loss. Hannasch says many fire districts are currently at high risk of field fires during harvest season. He asks farmers to keep a closer eye than usual on their equipment and fields in the weeks ahead.
The Carroll Fire Department is also marking Fire Prevention Week with the start of door-to-door sales on Monday for the 2024 Carroll Firemen’s Dance.
Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 6 through Oct. 12.
