Annual safety campaign kicks off Oct. 6 with a childrens’ video contest
BRUSH PRAIRIE — Clark County Fire District 3 is proud to promote Fire Prevention Week on Oct. 6-12, 2024. The goal of this year’s campaign – “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” – is to educate the community about the importance of having functioning smoke alarms at home.
Smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 54%. Unfortunately, about three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or none that are working correctly.
“The first line of defense in a home fire is smoke alarms,” says Fire Chief Scott Sorenson. “But to protect lives, they need to be in the right locations and working properly.”
To observe Fire Prevention Week and spread safety awareness, Clark County Fire District 3 will hold their third annual video contest for kids in grades K-12. Students’ creative video messages make them eligible for prize money donated by generous local businesses.
Here are important tips that firefighters want kids of all ages to know:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level of the home.
- Make sure that smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
For recommendations for your home’s fire safety or for video contest details, contact Clark County Fire District 3 at (360) 892-2331. Find information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms at fpw.org.
Also read:
- Vancouver Police release critical incident video from Dec. 28 officer-involved shooting
Vancouver Police Department released a Critical Incident Video related to a December 28 officer-involved shooting while the Office of Independent Investigations continues its review. - Opinion: Transit agencies need accountability not increased state subsidy
Charles Prestrud argues that Washington transit agencies face rising costs and declining ridership due to governance structures that lack public accountability. - Letter: ‘For years, American foreign policy too often felt like a blank check’
Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi argues that the 2025 National Security Strategy marks a long-overdue shift toward clearer priorities, shared responsibility, and interest-based American leadership. - POLL: Are you better off than you were a year ago?
This week’s poll asks readers to reflect on their personal financial situation and whether they feel better off than they were a year ago as economic conditions continue to shift. - Opinion: Does tailgating cause speeding?
Target Zero Manager Doug Dahl examines whether tailgating contributes to speeding and explains why following too closely increases crash risk with little benefit. - Opinion: ‘The Democrats’ part of the bargain’
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance reflects on a New Year’s Eve encounter and a Bill Maher commentary to assess what he sees as cultural and political changes from the past year. - Free fares on New Year’s Eve is a big hit with C-TRAN riders
C-TRAN’s New Year’s Eve free-fare program provided extended late-night service and a safe transportation option for riders across Clark County just after midnight.
