Fire Prevention Week

By: Chief Ed Koziol, President
Ashtabula County Fire Chief’s Association

Ashtabula County Fire Chief’s Association, State Fire Marshall asks “What can you do” to prevent fires?

Fire is everyone’s fight, and that’s why the Ashtabula County Fire Chief’s Association, in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal’s office, is asking Ohioans to think of one thing they can do to prevent or prepare for a fire.

The “What can you do?” social media campaign will highlight pledges to take action when it comes to fire safety. Fire officials throughout the state are encouraging Ohioans to take the pledge and post a photo on their social media accounts and use the hashtag #WhatCanYouDo or send it to your local fire department.

“We want to use this as a way to get everyone thinking about what they can do to be fire safe at home,” State Fire Marshal Larry L. Flowers said. “A proactive approach will help eliminate fire risks in your home, making you and your family safer.”

“It’s also important to make sure you’re prepared in the unfortunate case of a fire,” Chief Ed Koziol said. “Practicing your fire escape plan and making sure you have working smoke alarms in your home can help protect you if your home does catch fire.”

This campaign will kick off during Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2016. The national theme is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date!” which encourages everyone to check the manufacture date on their smoke alarms. If the date on your alarm is more than ten years ago, the entire unit needs to be replaced. Smoke alarms are less effective after ten years.

For more fire prevention information, please contact your local fire department or go to the State Fire Marshal’s website at www.com.ohio.gov/fire.