HONOLULU – Mayor Rick Blangiardi presented a proclamation to the Honolulu Fire Department to declare October 6-12, 2024 to be Fire Prevention Week in the City and County of Honolulu to urge residents to have working smoke alarms, and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of the Honolulu Fire Department. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the house.
“Smoke alarms are our first line of defense in a home fire but they need to be installed and working properly in order to protect our communities,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Our warmest mahalo to the brave women and men of the Honolulu Fire Department who, not only risk their own lives every day to protect us and our property, but work hard to educate the public on this simple, but effective, step they can take to stay safe by properly installing and maintaining smoke alarms.”
“Thankfully, the Mayor’s annual proclamation serves as a vital public reminder to learn more about fire safety and prevention,” said Fire Chief Sheldon K. Hao. “The Honolulu Fire Department is committed to protecting the communities we serve. We encourage everyone to safeguard their homes with working smoke alarms and also remain vigilant about protecting homes and neighborhoods from wildland fires. By being proactive, we can create a safer community for all.”
Mayor Blangiardi also directed Honolulu Hale be lit in the color red from sundown on Sunday, October 6 through sunrise on Monday, October 7 to kick off Fire Prevention Week.
The City and County of Honolulu observes Fire Prevention Week each year, along with the rest of the United States, during the week of October 9 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire that occurred on October 8, 1871, and killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 individuals homeless, and destroyed more than 17,400 structures. Fire Prevention Week celebrates fire safety awareness, highlights the importance of this week, and supports the mission to provide for safer communities.
For additional resources on keeping your home and loved ones safe this Fire Prevention Week, visit the Honolulu Fire Department website at https://fire.honolulu.gov/. This year’s week culminates on October 12with a Family Day at the Honolulu Zoo where the public can learn more about fire safety.
