National
Fire Prevention Week 2016 will be held Oct. 9 through 15, and brings
awareness to people by providing valuable information such as fire
escape plans, safety checklists and testing smoke alarms.
On average, seven people die and 36 people are injured from home fires every day, according to the redcross.org.
"(Smoke alarms) provide
notification in the event of a fire," said Brian Kelly, Onslow County
fire chief. "This is crucial for individuals to survive a fire if they
are asleep. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 50
percent of home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms. Having
this as well as an escape plan is what people need in order to survive a
fire."
In addition to Marine
Corps Base Camp Lejeune and local fire departments providing fire safety
information, the American Red Cross is holding its Home Fires
Preparedness Campaign to help provide free smoke alarms to families in
need.
"The campaign is geared
to reduce the number of fire-related fatalities by helping people
install free smoke alarms," said James Jarvis, American Red Cross
Service to the Armed Forces Manager. "Smoke alarms provide a greater
chance of survival during a home fire."
The nationwide campaign
started in 2014 and since then has provided 450,000 smoke alarms and
saved approximately 100 lives through those alarms.
"Even firefighters can
have a fire," said Kelly. "No one is exempt from fires in their homes.
We can do everything we know possible and through mechanical failure,
nature or accidents, fires can occur. We must have working smoke alarms
and a plan to help keep us safe."
Those in need of smoke alarms can contact the local American Red Cross and schedule an appointment for installation.
The Red Cross is looking for volunteers to assist
with smoke alarm installation and can sign up tables at Naval Hospital
Camp Lejeune on Oct. 11-12.