FIRE PREVENTION WEEK: OCTOBER 9th – 15th
FIRE WON’T WAIT. PLAN YOUR ESCAPE.
With Fire Prevention Week in full swing this week, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) would like to remind us about the importance of fire prevention in the home. The theme this year “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape,” is a good reminder that prevention and advanced planning are essential when it comes to your ability to get out of a home quickly during a fire.
It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Being prepared in advance saves time when it counts the most, in the event of an actual emergency.
A working smoke alarm will clue you in that there is a fire, and you need to escape. Fire moves fast. You and your family could have only minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Remember, when you hear a beep, get on your feet! Get out and stay out first, then call 911 from your outside meeting place. Also, if you hear a chirp, make a change – a chirping alarm needs attention, replace the batteries or the entire alarm if it is older than 10 years old. If you do not remember how old it is, replace it.
Having a home fire escape plan will make sure everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds so they know what to do.
Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.
NLTFPD will be hosting station tours for our elementary school students this month focusing on home fire safety, the importance of working smoke alarms and making a home fire escape plan.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit www.fpw.org.
