Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire. That’s the message behind this year’s Fire Prevention Month poster contest, “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!”
“In a fire, seconds count,” said Fire Marshal Ron Kunda. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.” “While most homes have smoke detectors,” according to Fire Marshal Kunda, “many are not checked regularly and may not work when needed.”
The Bismarck Fire Department sponsored a Fire Prevention Poster Contest for 4th, 5th and 6th grade students in Bismarck area schools to promote “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives!” The posters were then judged based on the content and artistic quality. The first place student from each category will receive a ride to school in a fire truck during Fire Prevention Week, October 6-10, as recognition of their achievement in the poster contest. All other winners will receive special recognition in their classroom by the Bismarck Fire Department. In addition, the fire department will be visiting each of the elementary schools to do fire safety presentations with the 1st-3rd grade students throughout the month.
According to Fire Marshal Ron Kunda, over 20 posters were submitted this year. “We have a lot of talented students in the area and judging the posters was difficult,” said Fire Marshal Kunda. “The poster contest gives the students an opportunity to express their ideas on the theme each year with some help from their families.”
This year’s winners include:
4th Grade Winners
• 1st Place : Jenna M. - Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
• 2nd Place: Katee H. - Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
• 3rd Place: Josephine H. - Sunrise Elementary
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5th Grade Winners
• 1st Place: Derek S. - Robert Miller Elementary
6th Grade Winners
• 1st Place : Micah S. - Simle Middle School
For more information about the poster contest and to view them visit www.bismarcknd.gov/fire, School Poster Contest.