Community Outreach and Public Education

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 60% of fire deaths occur in homes that didn't have a working smoke alarm. The risk of dying in residential structure fires is reduced by half when working smoke alarms are present.

Smoke alarms should be placed in all bedrooms, outside each sleeping area, and there must be at least one smoke alarm on every level, including the basement. It is not recommended to place smoke alarms within less than 10 feet of cooking appliances.

Smoke alarms should be tested once a month. Batteries should be replaced twice a year. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. It is important to periodically clean your smoke alarm to keep dust and other particles from interfering with its detection.

The College Station Fire Department has battery-operated, residential smoke alarms that are available at no cost to College Station homeowners who are either physically or financially unable to purchase or install their own smoke alarms. Members of the fire department will also check smoke alarms for proper operation, location, and install batteries and/or smoke alarms.

Life safety training involves educating individuals on how to prevent, respond to, and manage emergencies to protect themselves and others. It typically covers topics like fire safety, first aid, fire extinguisher training, hands only CPR, and how to handle various emergency situations. The goal is to equip people with the knowledge and skills needed to reduce risks and effectively respond in critical moments, ensuring safety and well-being in both everyday settings and unexpected events.