October 7-13 is National Fire Prevention Week. National Fire Prevention Week is an annual public awareness campaign to promote fire safety throughout the U.S. This year’s theme is “Have 2 Ways Out!” which focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice. 

Created and sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the goal of National Fire Prevention Week is to educate families on what causes home fires, how to prevent them, and what to do in an emergency situation. NFPA has been the official sponsor of this campaign since 1922, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

“National Fire Prevention Week is critical in educating the public about the dangers of fire and how to protect themselves and their families,” said Russell Fleming, President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA). “Fire sprinklers play a key role in protecting people and firefighters from the tragedies that fire can cause. To date, there has never been a multiple loss-of-life in a home that has a properly installed and maintained fire sprinkler system. I urge the public to learn more about how they can prevent and protect themselves and their families from the dangers of fire.”

NFSA provides the following fire safety tips for families:

• Make an escape plan
• Install smoke detectors in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and check the batteries often
• Install fire sprinklers throughout your house
• Once you’re out, stay out! Do not re-enter a burning building
• Practice your home fire escape plan twice a year

And these tips for kids:

1. Never touch matches, candles or lighters.  Make sure you tell an adult immediately if you see matches or a lighter in a room.
2. Don’t cook alone.
3. Remind your parents to turn pot handles toward the center of the stove.
4. Never stick anything in an electric socket.
5. Never hang anything on a lamp, heater, or radiator.
6. Always let an adult know if there is any kind of smoke or fire in your house.
7. If there is a fire, get out fast.
8. Once you are out of the house, call 9-1-1 immediately.
9. In case of fire, develop an escape plan with your parents.  Plan for two possible escape routes out of your house.  Practice your escape plan with your parents several times a year.
10. Stay low to the floor when escaping a fire, as smoke rises and makes it difficult to see.

For more information on National Fire Prevention Week and local events in your area, visit www.NFPA.org.