LIHUE — Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson and the Kauai Fire Department Prevention Bureau did not need a smoke alarm on Thursday when State Farm Insurance agent Eric Kaneda delivered a Fire Prevention Week kit.
Smoke alarms is the theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 6-12. Smoke alarms: Make them work for you! is the focus of the kits that Kaneda said will end up at one of the public schools.
The kits include informational activity books and other promotional material to raise awareness about fire prevention.
The goal of Fire Prevention Week, named the second week of October in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, is to raise fire safety awareness and help protect homes and families. Fire Prevention Week is also part of October being fire prevention month where fire officials encourage everyone to become aware of fire safety.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the primary sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, the key smoke alarm safety tips include install, test and replace.
Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area like a hallway, and on every level of the home. The smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month by pushing its test button.
And all smoke alarms should be replaced when they are 10 years old, or when they stop responding during the testing.
Ahead of Fire Prevention Week, the KFD Prevention Bureau, in cooperation with the County of Kauai, will present a one-day Fire Prevention Week event on Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center.
The family-friendly event is being presented following the large successful event the KFD hosted last year, the first time the county put together this type of awareness event.
Ranging from appearances of fire department equipment to lifesaving demonstrations, and instruction of how to use fire extinguishers, the family can expect to visit with Sparky the Fire Dog, and participate in the many hands-on exhibits surrounding fire safety.
For people who need an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation due to a disability, they should call 808-241-4985 or email kfdpreventionbureau@kauai.gov. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill needs.
