This year’s Fire Prevention Week, which began Sunday, has focused on working smoke alarms, which Benicia Fire Chief Jim Lydon said saves lives.

“Throughout the week, the department is visiting several of the local schools to interface with the students and share information about the fire department and fire safety,” Lydon said.

The highlight of Fire Prevention Week this year is the fire department’s annual open house Saturday at Fire Station 11, 150 Military West.

Firefighters will use the open house as a way to explain how residents should have working smoke detectors in bedrooms, outside of sleeping areas and at least one on every floor of a building, Lydon said.

But while smoke alarms are important, residents need to do more to maintain their safety in case of a fire, he said.

“Not only should you develop a plan, but the plan needs to be practiced to ensure that it is implemented during a time of emergency,” he said.

Lydon said a recent report from the American Red Cross shows that 82 percent of American families never have practiced a fire drill.

The Red Cross has information about preparing a home fire escape plan on its Web page, www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m38640160_Home_Fire_Escape_Plan.pdf.

Saturday’s Open House won’t just be focused on fire safety, Lydon said. Those attending will learn about other forms of public safety, too.

Representatives from Medic Ambulance, California Highway Patrol, Benicia Police Department, Valero Benicia Refinery Fire Department, Pacific Gas and Electric, United States Coast Guard, REACH Air Medical Service, Benicia Emergency Response Team (BERT), Benicia Amateur Radio Club, Benicia Fire Volunteers, Explorers and Benicia 9-1-1 dispatchers will be on hand.

“Each of these agencies will be sharing information related to their fields of expertise,” Lydon said.

“We will also be providing fire extinguisher demonstrations and tours of all of the equipment on hand, including the fire station.”

Visitors will see hands-on rope rescues and Coast Guard boats, too, and can take fire engine rides.

Refreshments will be available, and the first 100 children will receive bags from the department.

The Benicia Fire Department Open House at Fire Station 11, 150 Military West, will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

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