In a fire, seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children! Anyone can be at risk in fires, making it important for everyone to take the time every October during Fire Prevention Week to plan and practice their escape. Review actions you can take to keep yourselves and those around you safe in the event of fire.
This year’s campaign for National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 6-12, 2019 is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”
In a typical fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out safely.
This year, the National Fire Protection Association, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and the Cambridge Fire Department are focusing on home fires, though the safety message applies to any location. Acting Cambridge Fire Chief Gerry Mahoney says that situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go. No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.
Take the time to review and practice your escape plan with your family and/or housemates. Include your pets too. As always for a true emergency, alert everyone, get out, and call 911 from a safe area.
For more information, visit www.fpw.org.