Lexington’s Fire Prevention Festival is Sunday

October 1, 2016

36Pab,

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Junior Fire Chief Ryan Frisby knows the importance of having a plan in an emergency situation. That’s why he and Lexington firefighter Greg Gerton stopped by the studio to tell Meteorologist Eric Burke about the upcoming Fire Prevention Festival, happening on Sunday, October 2nd.

The Lexington Fire Department is hosting the free event at Masterson Station Park from 2:00-6:00 p.m. in support of Fire Prevention Week.

Organizers say there will be free food, fire safety stations, fire truck rides, Kasey the Fire Dog shows, a kids firefighter combat challenge, pony rides/petting zoo, various health screenings and much more.

The Lexington Fire Department says it’s promoting this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.” It wants to make sure the community understands the importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are. Firefighters say they should be replaced every ten years.

“Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” says Firefighter Jessica Bowman of the Lexington Fire Department. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Fayette County residents about the importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”

Lexington firefighters also offer some advice on checking your smoke detectors:

To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date (not the date of purchase). If your smoke alarms are expired you can call (859) 231-5662 and schedule a time for the LFD to come out and install new, free, smoke alarms. The LFD also says smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.