Shakopee Snapshot: Fall 2024

PUBLIC SAFETY

Catch our firefighters in action during the open house demo.

Fire trucks, demos, and fun Join us at the Fire Department Open House on Oct. 7

Fire Prevention Week in October is an important time of the year not only for us in the Shakopee Fire Department but for the young resi dents of Shakopee. This week gives us the chance to honor our commitment to protec tion by educating children about fire safety and prevention. The les sons taught during Fire Prevention Week will benefit and keep chil dren safe throughout their lives. In October, we are asking community members to test their smoke alarms and install new batteries if needed, agree on a family meeting place away from the home in the event of a fire, and create an escape plan that works for all members of your home. The life-saving beep Why every home needs a smoke alarm Picture this: it’s 2 a.m., and your home is blanketed in the quiet calm of the night. Suddenly, a fire ignites, its flames spreading rapidly and smoke filling the rooms. Will you wake up in time to escape safely? This is where a smoke alarm becomes your best friend. Their pierc ing tone and annoyingly loud beeping were designed to cut through even the soundest sleep to alert you and your loved ones to danger and give you time to escape. The dedicated team at the Shakopee Fire Department is passionate about the life-saving power of working smoke alarms. Did you know a fire can engulf an entire home in mere minutes? You may have as little as two minutes to get out safely once the alarm sounds. Considering that nearly 80% of all fire deaths happen at home, it’s crystal clear why every household needs a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms have been safeguarding homes since the 1970s, signifi cantly reducing fire-related fatalities by nearly half. Yet, despite their proven effectiveness, not every home has one. Shockingly, about 70%

According to the National Fire Protection Association, family home fires cause almost three-quarters of the civilian fire deaths and inju ries in the United States. Knowing what you’ll do in the event of a fire in your home could save the lives of yourself and those you love. We hope you’ll join us for our Annual Fire Department Open House on Monday, Oct. 7. This event will be held at our newly remodeled Fire Station 1 during Fire Prevention Week. The whole family is invited! We will have fire demonstrations, great food, and kids will get a chance to fight fires with Sparky the Fire Dog.

of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no work ing smoke alarms. Here’s how you can ensure your home is protected: ■ Placement is Key: Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement. Make sure there’s one outside each sleeping area. ■ Monthly Testing: Hit that test button once a month to ensure your alarms are functioning properly. ■ Annual Battery Check: Replace the batteries every year, or immediately if you hear that annoying chirp indicating a low battery. ■ Time for a New Alarm: All smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. This includes hard-wired units and alarms with long-life (10-year) batteries. Remember, once these long-life units start chirping or fail to respond during testing, they need to be replaced since the batteries are non-replaceable. For any fire safety questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Shakopee Fire Department at 952-233-9570. Stay safe, stay alert, and let the lifesaving beep of a smoke alarm be your guardian in the night.

12 Shakopee Snapshot