Fire fatalities are often preventable through education and the use of smoke detectors, a message that was the focal point when ABC 7's Operation-Save-A-Life 2009 campaign kicked off at Engine 13, 259 N. Columbus, on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. CLICK HERE to watch the opening event.
As part of this campaign, now in its 6th consecutive year, ABC 7 Chicago's morning team, Hosea Sanders, Judy Hsu, Tracy Butler and Roz Varon will join the Chicago Fire Department for other outreach programs in the community reinforcing life-saving tips, and useful statistics and information on what to do in case of a fire. Kidde once again will support the campaign by donating more than 15,000 smoke detectors that the Chicago Fire Department will distribute to Chicago communities in need during these community programs.
In addition, ABC 7 is also featuring a series of 30-second public service announcements promoting fire safety tips airing through April 1.
Fire Statistics:
-- 2008 was Chicago's lowest year for fire death fatalities ever.
-- There were a total of 18 fire fatalities in 2008, compared to 32 fire fatalities in 2007.
"ABC 7 Chicago is proud of the continued success of the Operation Save-A-Life campaign. We believe this partnership goes a long way to drive home the simple message to all Chicagoans--that working smoke detectors can and do save lives," said Emily Barr, President and General Manager, ABC 7 Chicago.
"In 2008, the Chicago Fire Department finished the year with a new record low in fire fatalities. Even though our numbers have steadily decreased, we will not be satisfied until we maintain zero deaths, said Fire Commissioner John W. Brooks. With the continued support of ABC 7 American Family Insurance and Kidde we will continue our commitment to bringing awareness and fire safety education through "Operation Save-A-Life," to those we serve in order to better prevent any fire fatality by providing the important tools necessary to protect our city."
"This is Kidde's sixth year as a sponsor of Operation Save a Life, and we are once again honored to be working with ABC7 and the Chicago Fire Department," said Suzanne Turner, Marketing and Communications Manager for Kidde. "This program not only helps to educate families on fire safety, but also places potentially life-saving smoke alarms in their homes. Hopefully through these efforts, more families will know what to do if and when a fire occurs, and have the warning they need to escape safely."
* Statistics provided by the Chicago Fire Department.
