ABC11 celebrates 21 years of Operation Save-A-Life and Fire Prevention Month

ByDeJuan Hoggard WTVD logo

ABC11 celebrates 21 years of Operation Save-A-Life

ABC11's Operation Save-A-Life is on a mission to ensure the community is safe and equipped with fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- ABC11 is proud to team up with Kidde, and Home Depot to present the 21st Annual Operation Save-A-Life.

The campaign is designed to increase public awareness of fire safety, carbon monoxide awareness, and reduce devastating losses that can occur as a result of fires and CO poisoning. As part of Kidde's ongoing Cause for Alarm efforts, they are proud to sponsor Operation Save-A-Life. Each year in October, communities throughout North America celebrate the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s Fire Prevention Week, the oldest running public health observance in the U.S.

Operation Save-A-Life builds on Fire Prevention Month and provides support throughout October. This fire safety program includes Kidde's generously donating thousands of smoke and CO alarms to support North Carolina fire departments. These alarms are then distributed to people in the community.

2024 Operation Save-A-Life (Photo: ABC11)

On Wednesday, Kiddie donated $125K worth of smoke and fire alarms and CO monitors, a total of 5,000 devices.

"I hope that whoever receives these alarms starts to focus on fire safety, that it's not out of sight, out of mind for them any longer," said Stephanie Berzinski, Kidde. "In addition to having a working smoke alarm, I hope they have a conversation with their family with their children about a fire escape plan because it takes two things. You need working smoke alarms and you need to have a fire escape plan to properly prepare."

According to the NC Office of State Fire Marshall, there were 146 fire fatalities in 2023. In 2022, that number was 151. The National Fire Protection Association also said almost three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires with no working smoke alarms.

"Our folks, we are frequently out in the community talking with individuals, seeing if they have operating smoke, smoke alarms, insuring them that we're educating them on the need for it," said Cary Fire Department Battalion Chief Chad Thomason. "If one of these smoke alarms saves one life, it's well worth the investment."

Look for our educational campaign on-air, including safety tips on how to help prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning in your home or business, information on correct alarm installation and operation, and tips on how to establish a fire safety plan for your family.

Learn how to protect your home and family from danger with these important safety tips:

Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, in hallways, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. On average, families have less than 2-3 minutes from the first time the smoke alarm sounds to escape a fire. The sooner you hear an alarm, the more time you'll have to get out.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is invisible and odorless. To keep your family safe, you need at least one working CO alarm on each level of your home, and near sleeping areas.

Test smoke and CO alarms weekly. Change alarm batteries every six months - for example, when you set your clocks forward (spring) and back (fall) - or, install Kidde Worry-Free 10-year sealed battery alarms. Replace alarms every seven to ten years. If you don't know how old your alarm is, you should replace it.

Place fire extinguishers within reach on every level of your home. Install close to exits, in the kitchen, and in the garage. Check the gauge monthly, and replace devices over 12 years old.

Develop and practice a home escape plan with your family. Know 2 ways out of every room, and place escape ladders in upstairs rooms.

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