Fire Prevention Week

In a fire, seconds can mean the difference between being able to safely escape a home fire and a tragedy. Fire safety education is important for all ages, including children, teenagers, adults. Elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

Fire spreads quickly. If fire breaks out in your home, there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life threatening. In five minutes, your home can be up in flames. Be prepared for a fire before it starts.

Prepare for a Fire

• Buy and install smoke alarms that use 10-year, sealed lithium-ion batteries.
• Place smoke alarms on every level of your home (including the basement), outside bedrooms, at the top of open stairways, and at the bottom of stairways that are closed in between two walls.
• Test smoke alarms once a month and replace the alarms every 10 years.
• Plan and review your home escape routes with your family. Practice getting out of each room

Survive a Fire

• If a smoke detector goes off or if you notice a fire, stay calm. Get out as quickly as possible and stay out.
• Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it’s hot, find another way out.
• Stay as close to the floor as possible. Smoke and heat rise and the air is clearer and cooler near the floor.
• Call 911 from a safe place such as a neighbor’s house.