Harnett County, NC – The Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office is excited to announce the celebration of Fire Prevention Week 2024, taking place from October 6th to 12th. This year’s theme, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” emphasizes the critical role that working smoke alarms play in reducing fire-related fatalities and injuries.

A functional smoke alarm can be the difference between life and death in the event of a home fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths occur in properties where smoke alarms are either missing or not functioning properly. The Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office urges residents to ensure their smoke alarms are properly installed, maintained, and tested regularly.

Fire Safety Resources for Harnett County Residents

To help residents stay informed and prepared, the Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office offers several valuable resources on our website: http://www.harnett.org/fire:

• Common Fire Code Violation Checklist: Learn how to identify and correct common fire code violations that could put your business, employees and patrons at risk. This checklist is a vital tool to ensure safety and compliance with local fire regulations.
• Free Smoke Alarms: Qualifying Harnett County residents can request free smoke alarms through our easy-to-use online form. Our goal is to make sure every home has working smoke alarms to alert occupants in case of a fire emergency. Please complete the above form to request your smoke alarm.
• Fire Safety Education and Activities: Engage your family with fire safety activities available on our website. From tips on how to create a fire escape plan to fun educational activities for kids, our resources help make learning about fire safety enjoyable and effective.

Why Smoke Alarms Matter

“Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a fire emergency,” said Rodney Daniels, Harnett County Fire Marshal. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is all about ensuring that smoke alarms are properly installed, maintained, and ready to do their job when you need them most. We encourage all Harnett County residents to take action by checking their alarms, reviewing fire safety resources on our website, and requesting free smoke alarms if needed.”

How to Make Your Smoke Alarms Work for You

Here are some key tips for making sure your smoke alarms are fully functional:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
• Test your alarms monthly to make sure they are working by pushing the test button.
• Ensure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest technology or when they no longer respond when tested.

Stay Connected and Stay Safe

Visit www.harnett.org/fire to learn more about Fire Prevention Week, request free smoke alarms, download our fire code violation checklist, and explore more fire safety tips. The Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office is committed to keeping our community safe and prepared.

About Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office

The Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office works diligently to protect lives and property through community risk reduction programs, fire investigations, and enforcement of fire safety codes. We are dedicated to ensuring that every resident of Harnett County has access to the tools and information necessary to prevent fire-related tragedies.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.

Fire Prevention Week Activities

Numerous Fire Prevention Week programs and activities are scheduled next week at schools and daycares throughout Harnett County. Please help us reduce home fire deaths by installing, testing and maintaining smoke alarms in your home. Additionally, I encourage you to develop a home escape plan and practice with your family.

For more information, please contact Rodney Daniels, Fire Marshal at rdaniels@harnett.org or (910) 893-0743.