During a recent Cedar Hill city council meeting, Council Member Glover presented a proclamation designating the week of October 6th through 12th, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week. The proclamation emphasizes the city's commitment to public safety and highlights the critical role of smoke alarms in preventing fire-related fatalities.
Glover noted alarming statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, revealing that over 2,700 people died in home fires in the U.S. in 2022, with many of these incidents occurring in homes lacking functional smoke alarms. The proclamation urges Cedar Hill residents to install smoke detectors in every sleeping area and on each level of their homes, ensuring that these devices meet the needs of all family members, including those with disabilities.
The 2024 Fire Prevention Week theme, \"Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You,\" serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms. Glover encouraged residents to test their alarms monthly and replace them every ten years or if they fail to respond during testing.
In addition to the proclamation, the fire department plans to engage the community through various events during Fire Prevention Week, including informational sessions at local centers and a concluding event at the library featuring food and fire safety materials. Residents were informed about how to contact the fire department for assistance with smoke alarms, either by calling the non-emergency number or submitting an online request.
The city council's proactive approach aims to enhance fire safety awareness and encourage residents to take personal responsibility for their safety in the event of a fire.