LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Oct. 4, 2016) – A firefighter challenge course, Molly the Fire Safety Dog and an antique fire truck are just a few of the highlights for attendees at the 6^th annual Fire Safety Day taking place Saturday, Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Clinton Presidential Center.

The Little Rock Fire Department leads the free annual event that educates children and families about fire safety as part of national Fire Prevention Week, this year Oct. 9-15.

Participating organizations include other area fire departments, the Little Rock Police Department, Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS), the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Little Rock Zoo.

Learning stations and demonstrations will offer families tips on fire prevention and tools to ensure safety comes first in the home. There are also carnival rides an a firefighter challenge that lets children test out their skills crawling, using a plastic sledgehammer, carrying a dummy, and spraying a firefighter hose.

Adults can undergo free health screenings courtesy of the Arkansas Minority Health Commission. Free carbon monoxide monitors will also be given out.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.” According to a recent survey by the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Prevention Association, only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced.

“It is critical that residents have working smoke alarms in case of a fire emergency,” Capt. Warren Robinson said. “You can replace an alarm and replace the batteries, but you can’t replace your life.”

That lack of awareness is a concern for the Little Rock Fire Department and NFPA, along with fire departments throughout the country, because smoke alarms don’t last forever. Additionally, smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.

The Little Rock Fire Department offers smoke alarms to Little Rock residents who need one. Firefighters will conduct a safety check and ensure the alarm is installed properly. Residents can call 918-3700 to request an alarm.

NFPA estimates that U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 358,300 home structure

fires per year during 2010-2014. These fires caused an estimated average of 2,520 civilian

deaths, 12,720 civilian injuries, and $6.7 billion in direct property damage per year. Our goal is zero.

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