Governor Green has proclaimed this week “Fire Prevention Week” in the state of Hawai‘i. This year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!”

Flanked by State Fire Council (SFC) Chair Kazuo Todd, who also serves as Hawai‘i County Fire Chief, as well as fire chiefs from the City and County of Honolulu, County of Maui, Kaua‘i County and other stakeholders, Governor Green signed the proclamation to heighten public awareness and promote proactive steps for preventing fires of all sorts, especially those in homes.

The National Fire Protection Association website offers life-saving information on installation and monthly testing of home smoke- and carbon monoxide detectors.

Awareness is especially high on Maui following last year’s deadly wildfires. “Working smoke alarms play a crucial role in alerting residents to a fire in their home, giving them time to escape,” said Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety Chief Brad Ventura. “The Maui Fire Department has partnered with the American Red Cross to install 235 smoke detectors in the homes of Maui’s kūpuna and lower-income residents so far in 2024.”

The Kaua‘i Fire Department, in partnership with the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center, marked the start of 2024 Fire Prevention Week with a community event Oct. 5 at the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center.

In addition to Hawai‘i residents arming themselves with smoke detectors, Governor Green acknowledges the work being done to heighten awareness of the crucial importance of fire prevention and mitigation.

Photo credit: Office of Governor Green