FREDERICK, Md. (KR) October 22nd and 23rd has been named as a Statewide Community Risk Reduction weekend by the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Along with many fire departments across the state, they will be asking residents to test their smoke alarms and install them where they are missing. Bruce Bouch, with the Maryland State Fire Marshall’s Office, says it is an effort that could save lives.
“At the same time, they can also look after any potential issues for a fire that may occur being combustibles too close next to a heating appliance or just to discuss safety practices with the family,” said Bouch.
He said fire officials will be hitting the streets to help ensure that citizens understand the importance of fire safety.
“To go out in the communities, knock on doors, maybe select an area in a community that they serve, this time and go door to door and make that attempt to ensure that they have working smoke alarms,” said Bouch.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 70 percent of fire deaths result from fires in homes with non-working smoke alarms or none at all.
BY: Katie Ryan