Fire Prevention Week sparks conversations of fire safety

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Warren County officials are reminding residents to check their fire and carbon monoxide detectors during National Fire Prevention Week. As the winter months creep closer, officials said house fire death rates fall by 60% per 1,000 homes thanks to working detectors.

This year's prevention week's theme is making smoke alarms work for everyone. Officials said it's best to use Fire Prevention Week to check detectors and review fire exit plans.

County officials said a 2018 study found that only 74% of homes in the United States have smoke detectors. Warren County Fire Coordinator Ralph Bartlett said correctly installed and maintained detectors and a fire escape plan are the most critical factors in reducing fire-related injuries and deaths.

"Fire can spread very fast, and working smoke alarms installed in the proper locations can give you early warning so you can get outside quickly," Bartlett said. "Please use Fire Prevention Week to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and review your exit plans for your residences."