Thursday, October 10, 2024

"Take 10 on 10/10" Campaign: A Call to Action for Fire Prevention



October is Fire Prevention Month and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is launching its annual “Take 10 on 10/10” campaign. This initiative encourages residents to dedicate just 10 minutes on October 10th to enhance fire prevention and emergency preparedness in just three easy steps.  

What is "Take 10 on 10/10"?

The “Take 10 on 10/10” campaign encourages residents to take just 10 minutes on October 10th to review and enhance their fire safety plans. This involves testing smoke alarms to ensure they are working, creating or updating your home fire escape plan, and refreshing your emergency supply kit. The goal is simple: to make fire prevention and preparedness a priority in every household.

The Importance of Fire Prevention 

Fire Chief Smedley emphasizes the critical need for a proactive approach to fire safety. “Fire prevention is a mindset. MCFRS isn’t just about responding to emergencies; it’s about preventing them through education. Taking just 10 minutes to ensure that your home is safe can make a significant difference in preventing fire-related tragedies,” he emphasized.

In a world where distractions are everywhere, dedicating time to fire prevention and fire safety can often be overlooked. The “Take 10 on 10/10” campaign serves as a reminder that even small actions can have a large impact.

What Can You Do in 10 Minutes?

Here are some effective actions you can take during your 10-minute commitment:

  1. Check Your Smoke Alarms: Ensure that smoke alarms are functioning properly. Check the date on the back. Before 2014? It's time to replace. 

  2. Create or Update Your Escape Plan: If a fire occurs, every second counts. Discuss escape routes and establish a meeting place outside your home. Practice your plan and conduct a quick fire drill with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency and where to meet.

  3. Emergency Preparedness: Update your family's emergency kit. You never know when you might need it and it's important to take inventory and replenish critical items. 

Team up with MCFRS

As we approach October 10th, Fire Chief Smedley is encouraging all residents of Montgomery County to join us in this vital campaign. The “Take 10 on 10/10” campaign is more than just a one-day event; it’s a call to create a culture of fire safety and resilience throughout Montgomery County. Let’s make fire prevention a priority not just on October 10th, but every day of the year.