MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to promote Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You! ™”... For those who recognize that sound, it is a smoke detector. For those who don't recognize that sound, it sounds as if you may need to add a working smoke detector to your home.

This week and running through Saturday, Oct. 12, will educate the community on the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

According to NFPA research, working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Alarmingly, three out of five fire-related fatalities occur in homes with no smoke alarms or non-functioning alarms.

“Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time they need to escape safely,” said MFRD Fire Marshal Brian Lowe. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week is a timely reminder that we all must stay aware of these critical safety measures and take action to protect our homes."

MFRD’s Key Smoke Alarm Safety Tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.

• Ensure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, especially those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button.

• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.

MFRD will host a Fire Prevention Open House on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Doug Young Public Training Facility, 701 Bridge Ave. It will be a fun-filled event with activities for all ages! Attendees will have the opportunity to meet our firefighters and other local first responders. There will also be a fire truck show and tell with drones, rescue boats, and more! It is a great chance to learn about fire safety and have some fun.

“Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility; we are here to help families be prepared. Come ask questions, learn tips on fire prevention, and see how we keep our community safe,” Lowe said.

Fire Prevention Week has a long and impactful history. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in U.S. history. Each year, during the week of October 9th, children, adults, and educators learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters and public safety educators provide crucial lessons that have greatly reduced fire-related casualties.

Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused widespread destruction. This tragic event claimed more than 250 lives, left 100,000 people homeless, destroyed over 17,400 structures, and burned 2,000 acres of land.