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