| If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of Americans households who made and estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often less.
That's why East Brandywine Fire Company is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, to urge residents to "Have Two Ways Out!" This year's theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.
In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.
According to Fire Chief Joe Edwards "Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize. Having a tried and true escape plan with two ways is essential to ensuring your family's safety should fire break out in your home."
East Brandywine Fire Company recommends the following tips for planning your family's escape:
Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they've escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.
Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.
Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home.
Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.
The East Brandywine Fire Company will be hosting multiple activities during Fire Prevention Week to promote "Have Two Ways Out!" Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, as well as the power of prevention.
East Brandywine Fire Company's Fire Prevention Schedule:
October 9th Friendship Elementary School (K-5th grade)
October 10th Brandywine Wallace Elementary School (K-5th grade)
October 11th Reeceville Elementary School (K-5th grade)
October 15th Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School (K-8th grade)
October 17th East Brandywine Fire Company Open House (Doors Open at 6:30)
October 22nd Hopewell United Methodist Church Preschool
October 23rd Hopewell United Methodist Church Preschool |
