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Just in time for Fire Prevention Week, the Crab Orchard Fire Department (COFD) has been selected to receive a $10,000 grant.

COFD is one of 100 fire departments nationwide to receive the grant through the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

“In collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), State Farm has awarded $1 million in grants to help local fire departments obtain needed fire equipment to better serve their communities,” a press release states.

COFD Chief Larry Owsley said the department is thankful for the grant.

“With this grant we will provide needed personal protective equipment to help protect our firefighters when doing their jobs,” Owsley said. “Many thanks to State Farm and the National Volunteer Council for the grant award.”

Due to overwhelming response to the grant program, the grants doubled this year from 50 departments to 100 nationwide.

NVFC is a leading nonprofit member association representing the interest of volunteer Fire and EMS services nationwide.

Owsley said the grant award is just in time for Fire Prevention Week which runs Oct. 6 through Oct. 12.

Fire Prevention Week aims to heighten public awareness and educate the public on preventing fires.

This year’s theme is “Smoke alarms: make them work for you” and serves as a reminder to make sure smoke alarms are working properly.

The National Fire Protection Association chooses a theme every year to bring awareness to the campaign.

“Smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, but they have to be working in order to deliver the needed protection,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of the Outreach and Advocacy division at NFPA. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign reinforces the critical importance of smoke alarms and what’s needed to install, test, and maintain them properly.”

Key messages for this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme include the following:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, 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 or don’t respond when tested.