Rochester Fire Department Open Houses on Friday and Saturday

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester fire stations will be hosting open houses Friday evening and Saturday morning as part of National Fire Prevention Week.

The theme for this year's campaign is Smoke Alarms - Make Them WORK For You.

“Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” shares Rochester Fire Marshal Ryan Sathre. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”

A news release issued by the Rochester Fire Department included key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

Install smoke alarms in every sleeping area, outside each separate
sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.

Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.

Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms "reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half." The group also says statistics show that roughly 75% of fire fatalities occur in homes without smoke alarms or without working smoke alarms.

Fridays Open Houses are scheduled from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. and from 9 until 11 AM on Saturday.

Rochester's five fire stations are located at:

Fire Station 1, 521 S. Broadway Avenue
Fire Station 2, 2185 Wheelock Dr NE
Fire Station 3, 2755 2nd Street SW
Fire Station 4, 1875 41st Street NW
Fire Station 5, 305 28th Street SE

More information about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Rochester can be found at the Rochester Fire Department website.