TALLAHASSEE – Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater today recognized this week, October 5 to 11, 2014, as Fire Prevention Week.
This year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month,” emphasizing the lifesaving protection properly functioning residential smoke alarms can provide Floridians. In 2013, more than 50,000 fires were reported in Florida, more than half of which were accidental and possibly preventable through fire prevention practices.
Jeff Atwater
“Fire prevention efforts such as testing smoke alarms, taking safety precautions when cooking and having a fire exit plan help keep Floridians safe as well as the firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect us,” said CFO and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week platform emphasizes simple, yet critical life safety measures, such as testing smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning properly.”
To help educate Floridians across Florida about fire prevention, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will be visiting schools, community centers, local businesses and other locations to present fire prevention information. For more information about the history of Fire Prevention Week, please visit http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week/about-fire-prevention-week.
