The HFSC established this new designation with federal Fire Prevention and Safety Grant funding, as part of a national campaign to increase the number of fire sprinkler systems in homes.
"We are proud to receive this recognition for our efforts to go above and beyond traditional fire safety outreach," said CFD Chief Don Floyd. "Fire sprinkler systems do more than any other fire protection technology can and they belong in the places where people are at greatest risk - the home.
In addition to protecting the men, women and children who live in the home, fire sprinklers also protect firefighters."
More than 80 percent of all U.S. fire deaths happen in homes, killing more than 3,000 people each year. Fire safety experts agree that increased installation of home fire sprinkler systems could dramatically reduce this national toll. Fire sprinklers detect a fire automatically and control it early on, limiting deadly smoke and heat, and saving lives. Each sprinkler is activated by heat, only the sprinkler closest to the fire will operate spraying water directly on the flames. Smoke cannot set off a fire sprinkler.
The technology has been around for well over a century, but it is a relatively new feature in homes. As a result, there is often misinformation and confusion about fire sprinklers, which is why fire service sprinkler education is a vital community safety strategy.
"The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition extends its congratulations and gratitude to the Covington Fire Department for making this important life safety topic a local focus," said HFSC Board Chair Gary S. Keith. "Working together, we can help more families stay safer from home fires."
The CFD received a Built for Life Fire Department certificate and other recognition materials. But most importantly, HFSC provided free educational materials to support local home fire sprinkler outreach.
Those residents who are building a new home or doing a major remodeling work should talk with their builder about having a fire sprinkler system installed. Free information is available at HFSC's Web site, www.homefiresprinkler.org.
The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Since 1996, HFSC has worked with fire departments and others to increase awareness about fire sprinkler protection in homes.
