National Fire Sprinkler Association Observes National Fire Prevention Week

PATTERSON, N.Y. - The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), the longest-tenured fire sprinkler advocacy organization in the U.S., commends the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), for National Fire Prevention Week. The goal of National Fire Prevention Week is to educate families on what causes home fires, how to prevent them, and what to do in an emergency situation. The NFPA has been the official sponsor of this campaign since 1922, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. In 1914 one of the major actions of the NFSA was to become a member of and support the NFPA in its efforts to prevent fire.

National Fire Prevention Week October 5 – 11, 2014, is an annual public awareness campaign to promote fire safety throughout the U.S. This year’s theme, “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!” focuses on educating the public about the importance of routinely checking the batteries in their smoke alarm. While smoke alarms can alert those inside a home to the presence of fire, they are only effective if properly maintained. It is important to know that you have the right alarm in the correct location and fire prevention week provides the opportunity to take inventory of your home’s safety features.

“Most of us recognize the importance of fire safety, yet we often fail to take steps to prevent fires or prepare for a fire in our home,” said Russell Fleming, President of the NFSA. “Fire is fast and today, the synthetic and oil-based contents in our homes greatly accelerate fire growth. Fire sprinklers are automatic and heat-activated, meaning only the sprinkler heads closest to the fire activates, saving lives and limiting damage. Like fire prevention week, fire sprinklers have a long and proven track record for saving lives and property.”

The truth of the matter is that though we’d like to believe we would never be the victims of a home fire, fire can strike anywhere at any time, and being prepared is vital to our safety. Roughly two out of three fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or the alarms are not working. This fact makes this year’s National Fire Prevention Week a good opportunity to stop for a moment to talk with your family, friends, and peers about the importance of practicing proper fire safety habits. The NFSA urges the public to take the time to learn about minimizing their risk of home fire, and to educate themselves about the benefits of life saving devices like smoke alarms and residential fire sprinkler systems.

In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, NFSA is hosting a variety of events in order to educate the public and fire officials across the country on the benefits of residential fire sprinkler systems. Additionally, the NFSA would like to provide the following fire safety tips for families:

· Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home including the basement

· Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working

· Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old

• Make an escape plan and practice it twice a year
• Once you’re out, stay out! Do not re-enter a burning building
• Do not throw water on grease fires, instead smother them or use baking soda
• Keep an approved fire extinguisher in the pantry or underneath the sink in the kitchen

· Do not walk away from anything cooking on the stove or in the oven

· Keep potholders and towels away from the stove and oven while you are cooking

· Do not hang any flammable fabrics from the handle of your oven

• Educate yourself on the benefits of installing a residential fire sprinkler system in your home

For more information on National Fire Prevention Week and local events in your area, visit www.NFPA.org. Follow us on Twitter @NFSAorg to see all the ways that #fastestwater can keep your family safe!

About the National Fire Sprinkler Association

Established in 1905, the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) is the voice of the fire sprinkler industry. NFSA leads the drive to get life-saving fire sprinklers into all buildings; provides support and resources for its members – fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers and suppliers; and educates authorities having jurisdiction of fire control matters. Headquartered in Patterson, N.Y., NFSA has regional operations offices throughout the country.

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