Members of O.W.L. V.F.D and the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (DFR) visited over 40 homes on Saturday to educate the community on the importance of smoke detectors.
Firefighters fanned out in the River Ridge community just off Route 1 in Woodbridge to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries.
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department spent much of the day reminding residents that one easy step can help save their lives and the lives of those around them. They urged changing the batteries in the smoke alarms twice a year, as well as carbon monoxide detectors. They also said test the alarms to make sure they work properly and to remind friends, family, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same.
Approximately every three hours a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation and nearly 60 percent of those occur in homes without working smoke alarms, according to the volunteer fire department.
Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits home fire safety devices were designed to provide. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries.
“Almost sixty percent of fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms. It’s a tragic statistic that could be reduced by the simple habit of regularly testing your alarms,” says OWL VFD Chief Rick Michael.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends that smoke alarms in homes should be replaced every ten years and having both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are best to alert people to all types of home fires.
Author
Recent Stories
Looking for a playful, loving pup to join your family? Meet Zeke, a 6-month-old bundle of energy and affection, ready to find his forever home! Zeke adores the company of…
Please don’t forget to fill out our quick survey. We’ve got up to 64 survey responses so far. Please help us get to 75, and help us serve you better, and thank you.
In this exclusive interview, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger discusses key city issues, including immigration enforcement, budget concerns, tax rates, and economic development. She addresses the potential loss of state and federal funding, her stance on tax increases, and the city’s approach to revitalization projects. Younger reflects on her first-term accomplishments, such as securing the sale of the Old Town Inn, and outlines future plans, including a new Veterans Advisory Council. She also weighs in on data center expansion, the canceled Route 28 Bypass project, and the importance of community engagement.
Due to the current weather advisory and anticipated adverse weather conditions, several school systems in the region have announced delays for Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
