Fire Prevention Week is October 5 through 11, and this year's message is simple; working smoke alarms can save your life.

Lafayette Fire Department Spokesman Alton Trahan says they are trying to get that message out residents.  He says to kick off Fire Prevention Week, firefighters began helping local people by installing smoke alarms for them.

The smoke alarms were provided by the Louisiana Fire Marshal's Office through the Operation Save a Life campaign.

Officials hope by educating the public about the danger of fire, and how to prevent one, that more lives will be saved.

Trahan says there are several messages they want people to remember:

  • 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.

Alton Trahan adds that if someone is interested in getting a smoke alarm they can call 291-8704.

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