Franklin Fire Departments sets Fire Prevention events

Franklin Fire Department is promoting Fire Prevention Week Oct. 5-11, to remind local residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home and testing them monthly.
According to the latest research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
“In a fire, every second counts,” said Chief Chuck Bourgeois. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.”
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign includes the following smoke alarm messages:
—Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
—Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
—Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t respond properly.
—Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.
The Franklin Fire Department has also teamed up with the Louisiana State Fire Marshall’s Office to install free smoke alarms for the area’s senior citizens.
Applications for the program are available at the St. Mary Parish Council on Aging, 304 Iberia St. or the Franklin Fire Department, 512 First St. Applicants must be over 50 years old and a homeowner.
Once the application is received, the fire department will install the new type smoke alarm with a 10-year battery. These new detectors are more reliable than older type units and less costly to maintain.
Senior citizens who are renting property are not eligible for this program. The landlord is responsible for providing a working smoke alarm for all rental properties. Senior citizen who are renting should contact their landlord for assistance to ensure that there is an operational smoke alarm installed. If any senior citizen has a problem with getting the landlord to comply, contact the fire department at 828-6328.
Chief Chuck Bourgeois encourages all residents to check their smoke alarms and ensure they have fresh batteries.
The Franklin Fire Department will be conducting informative talks with students about the importance of smoke detectors and Stop, Drop and Roll at local schools and daycares during Fire Prevention Week to promote “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives!” Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of working smoke alarms and testing them monthly.
Also Franklin Domino’s Pizza is teaming up with the Franklin Fire Department to promote fire safety during Fire Prevention Week. On Thursday Franklin residents may be surprised at the door when a fire truck delivers their order. If all smoke alarms in the residence are working, Domino’s will offer a 30 percent discount. If the smoke alarms are not working, the Franklin Fire Department will install new smoke alarms free of charge.
“Fire safety is very important.” said Leslie Pepper, Manager of the Domino’s Pizza in Franklin. “This is our second year working with the Franklin Fire Department on a program to promote the safety of our friends and neighbors and to reward those who make fire safety a priority.”
“Fire Prevention Week is a great time of the year to change the batteries in your smoke alarms,” said Chief Chuck Bourgeois, “Functioning smoke alarms save lives, but many people forget to maintain the batteries. We are excited to be working with Domino’s Pizza to promote good fire safety precautions by rewarded residents who have properly installed functioning smoke alarms.”
Customers can call the Franklin Domino’s Pizza store, located at 212 Sterling Road, phone 337-828-5570, Thursday 4-8 p.m. to place their order and be eligible for the fire truck delivery.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Franklin, please contact the Franklin Fire Department at 828-6328.