Sheriff’s Office Participates in National Fire Prevention Week
Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson announced that the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with local fire departments and participating in National Fire Prevention Week.
Sheriff Anderson said, “We support the fire service and we will work with our fire departments this week and throughout the month of October to deliver safety messages to protect families, friends and property from the dangers of fire.”
Deputy Sheriff John O’Brien & Accelerant Detection K-9 Libby teamed up with the Pleasant Valley Fire Department and visited the Joseph D’Aquanni West Road Intermediate School today to provide fire safety information to students, faculty and staff.
Fire investigators from the Sheriff’s Office work in collaboration with the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division and local fire departments to investigate the origin and cause of fires throughout the county.
“Fire investigation is an important part of fire prevention. Our investigations often result in identifying a specific fire hazard. We can then bring public awareness to this hazard and help reduce the risk of future fires,” said Lieutenant Shawn Castano.
National Fire Protection Association statistics show that in 2017 U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day during 2012 to 2016.
Sheriff Anderson offers the following fire safety tips:
- Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
- Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
- Make a home escape plan and practice the plan with everyone in your home.
- Practice using different ways out and closing doors behind you as you leave.
Sheriff Anderson suggests contacting your local fire department for additional fire prevention information.
