Operation Save A Life 2015

CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC 7 Chicago, the Chicago Fire Department, Kidde (a global leader in fire and safety products), and the Home Depot are proud to once again present "Operation Save-A-Life," a public awareness campaign targeting fire/carbon monoxide safety and prevention.

Fire and carbon monoxide fatalities are often preventable through education and the use of smoke/carbon monoxide alarms and basic prevention tips. The message that "Simple Steps Can Help Save Lives" will be once again the focal point when ABC 7's Operation-Save-A-Life campaign kicks off its 12th year on February 9th.

The campaign will underscore the importance of remembering test your smoke alarms monthly and to make sure you've installed a working carbon monoxide alarm on each floor of your home. 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. Test your smoke alarms monthly

2. Place smoke alarms in every bedroom in your home

3. Teach your children about fire safety

4. Learn CPR

According to the Chicago Fire Department, since ABC 7 Chicago began this fire safety and prevention campaign, fire fatalities have decreased by 50 percent.

"It's always our hope that our Operation Save-A-Life campaign will help contribute 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 the 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.

Save A Life Saturday:

Save-a-Life Saturday, a free event teaching fire safety, carbon monoxide safety and guidance in choosing the right home alarm, will take place at participating Home Depot locations throughout the Chicago area on March 7 from 9am to 3pm.