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Fire Prevention Week: What you may not know about your smoke alarm

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – It’s fire prevention week, and fire officials are focusing on your home’s smoke alarms.

A new survey found most people have misconceptions about their smoke alarms. The study from the National Fire Protection Association found only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date.”

Communities across Indiana are getting involved. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says some fires are easily prevented by having working smoke alarms in your home. The agency says smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, but many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date.

The NFPA says it’s easy to check. The date of manufacture should be printed on the back or side of your smoke alarm. If that date is more than 10 years old, the alarm needs replaced.

Fire Prevention Week runs through the Oct. 15. The Bloomington Fire Department is hosting events throughout the month.

The Lawrence Fire Department is working with the American Red Cross to give out smoke detectors to Lawrence residents. Lawrence firefighters will check the detectors and replace batteries smoke alarms, if needed.

Click here for more information on Fire Prevention Week.