DPS encourages Alaskans to learn about fire safety during October

WASILLA — Alaskans everywhere are encouraged to spend the month of October discussing fire safety and learning more about how they can protect their homes.

Prevention Week ran from Oct. 3 to October 9th. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy recently released a proclamation recognizing October as Fire Safety Month.

The Division of Fire and Life Safety reminds residents to be fire-wise with this year’s theme, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.”

Department of Public Safety Public Education Coordinator, Virginia McMichael said their main message this month is to encourage everyone to ensure they have properly functioning smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and practice fire escape plans with their households.

“Really, we should recognize it the entire year. We should always recognize fire safety,” McMichael said.

According to McMichael, the National Fire Protection Association comes up with each year’s theme. She said this year’s theme “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” is about taking simple steps and paying attention to important noises from smoke alarms.

She said that a continuous set of three loud beeps means smoke or fire, and it’s time to evacuate.

Smoke alarms need to be replaced after 10 years. A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed, Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.

“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—you must take action

“Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond,” McMichael said.

According to a recent press release, there were 861 residential structures fires reported in Alaska, resulting in 16 civilian deaths, 26 civilian injuries, one firefighter death, 24 firefighter injuries, and $31,760,675 in property loss in 2020.

Unsafe heating methods, unattended cooking, and other human-caused acts were the three most common causes of residential fires in Alaska, and 38 percent of house fire fatalities occur in properties with no smoke alarms installed.

McMichael said having a functioning and regularly tested alarm system provides the necessary early warning to occupants and the fire department. She added they all households should also keep up-to-date fire extinguishers and regularly practice their fire escape plans.

To learn more about local Fire Prevention Month programs and activities, contact fire departments in your respective community.

For more information about fire safety in general, visit fpw.org or facebook.com/AlaskaStateFireMarshalsOffice.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com