Fire Prevention Week
"Fires Won't Wait...Plan Your Escape"
October 12, 2022
Adriana Keeton
2022 marks the 100th year of Fire Prevention Week, the longest running public health observance on record. This year it is observed October 9-15 and the theme is "Fires Won't Wait...Plan Your Escape."
According to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) data, 2021 had the highest home fire death rate since 2005. This is why it is important to check your smoke alarms regularly and have a home fire escape plan in place.
NFPA recommends smoke alarms be placed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. They should be tested monthly and if not working, the batteries should be checked. If alarms need to be replaced, they can be found at big chain stores, online, as well as most hardware and home stores, and are available with and without carbon monoxide detectors, depending on your families needs. You may also check with your local fire department, as some may carry free smoke alarms for anyone with outdated or non-functioning smoke alarms, or who don’t have alarms at all.
Fire Prevention Week is a great time to sit down with your family, even small children, and start a home fire escape plan as well as discuss important safety precautions which should be used during a fire.
"It's important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will be different," said Cassville Fire Assistant Chief Derek Acheson. "Have a plan for everyone in the home."
For more information on fire prevention or resources on how to build a home fire escape plan, visit https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week.
2022 marks the 100th year of Fire Prevention Week, the longest running public health observance on record. This year it is observed October 9-15 and the theme is "Fires Won't Wait...Plan Your Escape."
According to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) data, 2021 had the highest home fire death rate since 2005. This is why it is important to check your smoke alarms regularly and have a home fire escape plan in place.
NFPA recommends smoke alarms be placed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. They should be tested monthly and if not working, the batteries should be checked. If alarms need to be replaced, they can be found at big chain stores, online, as well as most hardware and home stores, and are available with and without carbon monoxide detectors, depending on your families needs. You may also check with your local fire department, as some may carry free smoke alarms for anyone with outdated or non-functioning smoke alarms, or who don’t have alarms at all.
Fire Prevention Week is a great time to sit down with your family, even small children, and start a home fire escape plan as well as discuss important safety precautions which should be used during a fire.
"It's important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will be different," said Cassville Fire Assistant Chief Derek Acheson. "Have a plan for everyone in the home."
For more information on fire prevention or resources on how to build a home fire escape plan, visit https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week.
