October is Fire Prevention Month, and the Laramie Fire Department (LFD) is committed to educating and safeguarding the Laramie community. Throughout this month, LFD is running various campaigns to promote fire safety among residents.

LFD is actively sharing residential fire safety tips and information on their social media and website. A key focus is the importance of smoke detectors, as nearly 3 out of 5 home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. The 2023 campaign is centered around Daylight Savings Time in November when clocks are set back. LFD urges residents to check and replace their smoke detector batteries during this time.

Fire Marshall Dennis Johnson emphasizes the significance of smoke detectors, especially at night, and offers assistance for residents who need help obtaining them through available programs.

In addition to promoting smoke detectors, Fire Marshall Johnson provides essential fire safety advice:

• Install smoke detectors in sleeping rooms and hallways, and regularly check their batteries.
• Avoid leaving stoves unattended when cooking, keep fire extinguishers nearby, and remove flammable items from the area.
• Schedule maintenance for wood-burning stoves and chimneys to prevent fires.
• Properly use interior and exterior lights and avoid using outdoor lights on indoor Christmas trees.

As part of Fire Safety Month, LFD is conducting educational visits to Laramie’s elementary schools during the week of October 16th. LFD staff will engage with students from kindergarten to fourth grade to provide early intervention lessons in fire safety. Using techniques learned from a Life and Fire Safety (LAFS) conference, LFD staff will make the sessions fun and engaging for the students, including using puppets and imaginative props.

The LAFS program also covers essential life-saving practices, such as universal signals for choking, emergency exit drills, stranger danger, and internet safety. You can stay updated with the Laramie Fire Department during Fire Prevention Month by following their Facebook pages, Laramie Fire Department Fire Prevention/Life Safety, and Laramie Firefighters IAFF Local 946.