ABC7 launches 5th annual Operation 7: Save a Life

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- ABC7 is proud to launch our annual Operation 7: Save a Life, to prevent tragedies from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Firefighters say they cannot stress enough the importance of having smoke detectors in homes, because every year they see people lose their lives and loved ones to fires that don't need to happen.

ABC7 News morning anchor Eric Thomas MC'd the fifth annual Operation 7: Save a Life. Our general manager, Bill Burton, spoke about the benefits of promoting Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and expressed his gratitude for the donation of Kidde smoke alarms and smoke detectors. The event occurred at Fire Station 1 in Oakland.

PHOTOS: ABC7 launches 5th annual Operation 7: Save a Life

Bay Area firefighters say promoting awareness as the weather turns colder is crucial, because they've seen many low-income families use grills and portable heaters inside the home to keep warm, placing them in direct danger of possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Unfortunately they're uneducated with the bi-product, which is carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless, and you can't smell or taste," said Martin Mora with the San Jose Fire Department.

Last year, more than 3,000 people died in home fires and more than 17,000 were injured. Firefighters say the largest percentage of deaths in the home while people are sleeping, further demonstrating how a working alarm can provide an early warning and make a difference between life and death.

ABC7 teamed up with Kidde and Home Depot to donate 3,000 smoke alarms and 300 carbon monoxide detectors across the Bay Area.

Operation 7: Save a Life serves as a good reminder to be prepared.

For more information on California's law, CO safety and how to protect your family, visit http://www.casafehomes.org/.

To check out Prepare NorCal's guidelines for stocking your emergency kit and developing a plan for you and your family, click here.