In a recent city council meeting, Kerrville officials proclaimed October 2024 as Fire Prevention Month, emphasizing the critical role of smoke alarms in saving lives. Fire Chief Eric Maloney highlighted alarming statistics, noting that fire departments across the U.S. responded to 360,000 home fires, with three out of five fire-related deaths occurring in homes lacking functional smoke alarms. He urged residents to install smoke alarms in every sleeping area and on each level of their homes, stressing that these devices can provide vital early warnings, allowing families as little as two minutes to escape a fire.

The council's proclamation coincides with the 2024 Fire Prevention Week theme, \"Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You,\" which aims to educate the community on fire safety practices. Chief Maloney praised the fire department's outreach efforts, particularly their educational programs in local schools, which have reached over 3,500 children. He recounted a past incident where a student from Nimitz Elementary successfully alerted her family during a house fire, underscoring the importance of fire safety education.

Additionally, the meeting recognized the contributions of city employees Lorena McCullough and Martin Greenwell, who received a Criminal Kindness Award for their efforts to enhance communication with Kerrville's Hispanic community. They have been translating city information into Spanish and producing radio ads to ensure that Spanish-speaking residents are informed about city activities and services.

The council also honored Ray Gutierrez with a certificate of recognition for his extensive service in music and mental health care, acknowledging his contributions to the community over a nearly 55-year career.

The meeting concluded with a call for residents to check their smoke detectors and practice safe cooking habits, reinforcing the city's commitment to fire safety and community engagement.