HONOLULU (KHON2) — As Fire Prevention Week approaches, now might be the time to check up on your smoke alarms to ensure they are functioning correctly.
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Fire chiefs from the Big Island, Maui, Kauai and Oahu joined Governor Josh Green M.D. to sign a proclamation declaring Oct. 6 through Oct. 12 Fire Prevention Week throughout the state.
The proclamation aims “to heighten public awareness and promote proactive steps for preventing fires” in homes, contributing to the theme of “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!”
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“The State Fire Council appreciates the Governor’s annual Fire Prevention Week Proclamation as it is a vital reminder to our residents and visitors to always stay fire safe. We urge every Hawai‘i residence or building to ensure they have functioning smoke alarms, which can often alert occupants of a potential fire and allow them to safely escape from harm’s way,” said State Fire Council Chair Chief Kazuo Todd.
Fire Prevention Week brings heightened awareness following the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires.
According to reports, ensuring properly functioning smoke alarms plays a crucial role in alerting residents if there is a fire in their homes so they can escape.
Something everyone can do at home is check their smoke alarm batteries once a month. Once a year, get a new battery in there and make sure it works. Everyone can do that — and please help a neighbor who may be a kupuna to make sure theirs are in working order.
To help with preventative efforts, the Maui Fire Department installed 235 smoke alarms for kupuna and lower-income residents.
On top of ensuring Hawaii residents have proper smoke detectors, Governor Green is also working to raise awareness about fire prevention and mitigation.
“Fire safety is about taking proactive steps to prevent fires before they start and not just responding to them when they occur. With the rise in wildfires across our island and state, it’s more important than ever for our community to be vigilant, ensure their homes are protected and stay informed,” stated Michael Gibson, Kauai Fire Prevention Chief.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
More life-saving information can be found on the following websites:
National Fire Prevention Association
State Fire Council
Honolulu Fire Department, Fire and Life Safety
Maui Fire and Public Safety Department, Fire Education
Kaua‘i Fire Department, Prevention Bureau
County of Hawai‘i Fire Department, Fire Prevention Branch
DLNR-DOFAW Wildfire Management
Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization