Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4-10, Maui Demo Oct. 22

Fire Prevention Week 2015. Photo credit: State of Hawaiʻi, Office of the Governor.

The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety observes Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, 2015.

This year’s message is, “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep. Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!”

Maui fire officials say the campaign is being held in conjunction with the non-profit National Fire Protection Association, “to remind local residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.”

Maui Fire Chief Jeffery Murray commented in a department announcement saying, “In a fire, seconds count.  Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert occupants of a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out,” said Murray.

To promote this year’s message, the Maui Fire Department will be hosting a Fire Prevention show on Oct. 22 at the Keopuolani Park horseshoe pit from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign includes the following smoke alarm messages:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. This way, when one sounds, they all do.
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t respond properly.
• Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.
• If the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Go to your outside meeting place.
• Call the fire department from outside the home.