Firefighters from the Center Moriches Fire Department spent Wednesday at Our Lady Queen of Apostles School and the Clayton Huey Elementary School teaching the children of our community the importance of fire safety.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,”

Fire Prevention Week focuses on educating the public about the critical importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10 years old.

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code®, requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk. To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date (not the date of purchase).

An assembly and presentations were held at each school. Following the presentations students were given tours of the fire apparatus that was on display.

All residents are reminded to frequently discuss fire safety with their children and remember to test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms once a month and change your batteries when you change your clocks.

The Center Moriches Fire Department would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the students who participated in the fire prevention poster contest, and to all of our Volunteer firefighters who donate their time each year to teach the children.