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.