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Fire Prevention Week a reminder for residents to prepare

Carson City Fire Marshal Michael Wilkinson and Fire Chief Sean Slamon, with Mayor Lori Bagwell and supervisors in the background, discuss a proclamation on Oct. 6 recognizing Oct. 9-15 as Fire Prevention Week.

Carson City Fire Marshal Michael Wilkinson and Fire Chief Sean Slamon, with Mayor Lori Bagwell and supervisors in the background, discuss a proclamation on Oct. 6 recognizing Oct. 9-15 as Fire Prevention Week.
Photo by Scott Neuffer.

By Scott Neuffer

Thursday, October 6, 2022

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Home fires killed 2,580 people in the U.S. in 2020, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

That grim number was included in a proclamation presented by Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell to fire personnel and the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 6. The proclamation recognizes Oct. 9-15 as Fire Prevention Week.

“I urge all the people of Carson City to plan and practice a home fire escape plan,” Bagwell said.

The 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme is, “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape.”

Bagwell was glad there have been zero fire-related deaths in Carson City of late, but, going into the cold months when heaters and fireplaces are used, she told residents not only to have an escape plan, but to check smoke alarm batteries.

“I want to get out of the chirping zone,” she said, referring to the chirp sounds alarms make when low on batteries.

Fire Chief Sean Slamon recommended replacing batteries twice a year. He said doing it at daylight saving time, while changing clocks, makes it a habit rather than waiting for chirps.

He also encouraged residents who need help with ladders to call the nonemergency fire dispatch line at 775-887-FIRE (3473).

“We can help change batteries and do a quick test,” Slamon said.
He urged residents to have carbon monoxide detectors ready for the cold season, as well. He said they are automatically installed in newer residences but should be in all homes.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit nfpa.org/Events.

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