Fire Prevention Week Begins October 8

 

As National Fire Prevention Week begins on October 8th, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)/Commission on Fire Prevention and Control is urging the public to create and practice a home escape plan.

“A home escape plan should be an essential part of your family emergency plan,” said DESPP Commissioner Dora B. Schriro. “Having a viable plan in place is essential to keeping you and your family safe and sound."

“On behalf of firefighters across Connecticut, I am urging all residents to recognize Fire Prevention Week by creating and practicing a home escape plan,” said State Fire Administrator Jeff Morrissette. “Always plan to have two ways out.”

National Fire Protection Association offers the following Fire Safety Tips:

  •        Draw a map of your home byusing our grid NFPA with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
  •        Practice your home escape plan twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
  •        Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
  •        Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
  •        Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
  •        Once you get outside, go immediately to the designated meeting location identified in your home escape plan, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

Every year since 1922, Fire Prevention Week coincides with the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire on October 9th of 1871. Please check with your local Fire Department to inquire about what events are planned for your community.

The Connecticut Fire Academy is the teaching arm of the Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, a Division of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.  Their mission is to serve as the primary source of education and training for Connecticut firefighters.

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Submitted by Darien, CT

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