Nearly three in five home fire deaths occur in homes without functional smoke alarms. In recognition of Fire Prevention Month this October, the Laramie Fire Department (LFD) aims to raise awareness with essential fire safety tips.
With unattended cooking being the leading cause of house fires, LFD emphasizes the importance of fire safety, especially during the upcoming holiday season. Here are key practices to ensure home safety:
- Install smoke detectors in every bedroom and hallway, and check batteries regularly.
- Never leave cooking unattended; keep a fire extinguisher nearby and remove flammable items.
- Service and clean wood-burning stoves and chimneys to prevent unwanted fires.
- Use lights correctly; for example, do not use outdoor lights on indoor Christmas trees.
LFD also observes Fire Prevention Week from October 6 to 12, focusing on the proper installation and maintenance of smoke alarms. Shift Commander Gus Stonum highlights the week’s importance in empowering the community to prevent fire-related tragedies, especially given Laramie’s unique weather and rural landscape.
Residents are encouraged to follow the National Fire Protection Association’s three-step smoke alarm safety guide:
- Install alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and on each level of the home.
- Test alarms monthly.
- Replace alarms every 10 years and batteries every six months.
These steps can significantly enhance safety. The presence of functional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is crucial, as carbon monoxide is a leading cause of accidental poisoning in the U.S. LFD invites residents to seek advice on installation at cityoflaramie.org/93/Fire.
For further fire safety information, visit cityoflaramie.org/235/Life-Safety-Fire-Prevention. For interviews, contact Fire Marshall Dennis Johnson at (307) 721-5330.