The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging fire departments across the country to emphasize the importance of having a working smoke alarm in the home.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is “Don’t Wait - Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.” Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 9-15.

Mayor Linda Kavanagh got on board with the campaign last week as she issued a proclamation during the regular Town Council session on Oct. 6.

“Fire Prevention Week…effectively serves to educate the public about the vital importance of replacing the smoke alarms in their home at least every 10 years,” Kavanagh’s proclamation states. “I urge all Fountain Hills residents to find out how old the smoke alarms in their homes are, to replace them if they are more than 10 years old, and to participate in the many public safety activities and efforts of Fountain Hills’ fire and emergency services during Fire Prevention Week.”

NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one smoke alarm. But do you know how old your smoke alarms are? If you’re like most people, you’re probably not so sure.

A recent survey conducted by NFPA revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced.

“That lack of awareness is a concern for Fountain Hills Fire Department and NFPA, along with fire departments throughout the country, because smoke alarms don’t last forever,” said FHFD Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Jason Payne.

“Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly.

“That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate all Fountain Hills residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”

NFPA statistics show that in 2014 home fires resulted in 2,745 civilian deaths, representing 84 percent of all U.S. fire deaths.

Three out of five fire deaths result from fires at properties without smoke alarms (38 percent) or with no working smoke alarms (21 percent). Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a reported home fire in half.

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk.

As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA is promoting to better educate the public about the critical importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10 years old.

To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date (not the date of purchase).

The Fountain Hills Fire Department also says smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.

For more information on smoke alarms and this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years”, visit firepreventionweek.org.