STOW, Mass. —Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has declared Oct. 6-12 as Fire Prevention Week in Massachusetts, joining in the nation's longest-running public health observance and urging residents to install, test, and maintain smoke alarms on every level of their homes.

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of Oct. 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871. This year's theme is "Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You."

"Smoke alarms are your first line of defense against a fire at home," said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, who noted that only about half of the 31 residential fire deaths in Massachusetts last year took place in homes without working smoke alarms.

Smoke alarm safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including in each bedroom and the hallway outside each bedroom so you're protected as you sleep.
• Test your alarms each month to be sure they're working properly.
• If your alarms take alkaline batteries, replace the batteries twice a year when you change your clocks. If your alarm is "chirping," it's time to replace the batteries.
• Replace smoke alarms after 10 years. The manufacturing date is printed on the back.
• When purchasing a new alarm, choose one from a well-known national brand with a hush feature and a sealed, long-life battery.

Because people aged 65 and older are most vulnerable to a fire at home, State Fire Marshal Davine asked residents to check with older relatives, friends, and neighbors to see if they need help installing, testing, or maintaining their alarms. He said that many local fire departments may be able to assist older residents with smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installation through the Department of Fire Services' annual Senior SAFE grants.

The National Fire Protection Association has sponsored Fire Prevention Week since 1922. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed it a national observance. During Fire Prevention Week, fire service leaders and many others provide lifesaving public education in an effort to decrease fires and the associated deaths, injuries, and property loss.

The Department of Fire Services promotes fire safety all year long and will emphasize smoke alarm safety throughout the week on its social media pages. For tips you can use any time, visit the DFS Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms web page and view public service announcements on the DFS YouTube channel.

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