OCOEE, Fla. – The Ocoee City Commission issued a Fire Prevention Month proclamation at its meeting on October 1. In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, the City of Ocoee Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention MonthTM (FPMTM) for more than 100 years—to promote this year’s FPM campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!TM”  The campaign works to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

The city’s fire department has a smoke alarm program for Ocoee residents who do not have smoke alarms in their homes.  According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.  Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people.

Residents are encouraged to actively support the 2024 Fire Prevention Month theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” “Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Fire Chief Thomas Smothers.

The Ocoee Fire Department offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

  • – Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway) and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
  • – Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
  • – Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
  • – Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

For information on the Ocoee Fire Department’s smoke alarm program, call 407-905-3140.

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About the City of Ocoee – Ideally situated at the heart of all of Central Florida’s major highways and expressways, Ocoee is home to a vibrant residential and business community making it an ideal place to live, raise a family and grow a business.  With a population of nearly 50,000, Ocoee is the third largest city in Orange County known for its exceptional quality of life, boat launches, fishing docks, nature trails, picnic areas, sports facilities and playgrounds. For more information, visit www.ocoee.org.