ABC 7 Chicago, the Chicago Fire Department, Kidde (a global leader in fire
and safety products), and Home Depot are proud to once again present "Operation
Save-A-Life," a public awareness campaign targeting fire safety and prevention.
Fire fatalities are often preventable through education and the use of smoke
alarms and basic fire prevention tips. The message that "Simple Steps Can Help
Save Lives" will be the focal point when ABC 7's Operation-Save-A-Life campaign
kicks off its 11th year.
Once again, the campaign will underscore the importance of remembering to change smoke alarm batteries. Missing or non-functional batteries are to blame for a great majority of home fire fatalities.
Here are some of the "Simple Steps Can Help Save Lives" tips that will be
reinforced during the Operation Save-A-Life campaign:
1. Change smoke alarm batteries every six months
2. Install a working carbon monoxide detector outside each bedroom in your
home
3. Teach your children about fire safety
4. Learn CPR
ABC 7 is also featuring a series of 15 and 30-second public service vignettes promoting fire safety tips airing through mid-April. Hosted by ABC 7 Eyewitness News morning anchors Hosea Sanders, Judy Hsu, Tracy Butler and Roz Varon, the vignettes will touch on carbon monoxide safety, high rise fires, children and elderly left home alone and the importance of CPR and smoke alarms.
"2013 had 16 fire fatalities, the lowest annual total ever recorded in Chicago. It's our hope that Operation Save-A-Life contributed in some way to the reduction of the total number of fire deaths in our city. We are grateful for the team effort put forth by our partners -- the Chicago Fire Department, Kidde and Hope Depot," said John Idler, President and General Manager, ABC 7 Chicago.
Fire Facts:
--In 2013 there were a total of 16 fire fatalities, the lowest annual total ever
recorded in the city.*
--Smoke detectors are in 92% of American homes, but nearly one-third don't work
because of missing or old batteries.**
--Almost all fire deaths in Chicago occur in buildings where there are no
working smoke detectors. Detectors with run-down or missing batteries are
worthless.*
* Provided by the Chicago Fire Department.
**Provided by the National Fire Protection Association.
