Take action this Fire Prevention Week to keep everyone at home safe

  • Published
  • By 36th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Andersen's fire department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association Oct. 13 to remind local residents to take part in The Great American Fire Drill. 

During this year's fire safety campaign, firefighters and safety advocates will be spreading the word about the dangers of home fires and teaching local residents how to plan and practice escape from a home in case a fire occurs.

According to the latest NFPA research, 3,030 people died in 2005 in home fires -- that's roughly eight people every day. Only 23 percent of households arm their families with a well-practiced plan for escaping home fires.

No one ever expects they will have a fire in their home, but fires happen all too often. Take important responsibility for loved one's well-being by preparing family and other household members with a simple escape plan and practicing it during The Great American Fire Drill.

"Firefighters know first-hand that when it comes to home fires, seconds and minutes can sometimes mean the difference between life and death," said Ernest Rios, the Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention. "As firefighters, we spend time planning and training to battle fires in our community and preparing ahead of time enables us to act quickly when faced with an emergency situation. Preparation is an important part of being able to deal with an emergency and it is crucial that residents take steps to prepare themselves for home fires by having an escape plan and practicing it. "

Are you prepared for a fire? Although preparing for the unexpected is difficult, reviewing the information below and taking action based on it to plan for a fire could save lives. Don't forget to practice escape plans during Fire Prevention Week!

· Install working smoke alarms on every level; and inside each bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.

· Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.

· Make sure plans allow for any specific needs in the household. If everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.

· Practice the plan, at least twice a year.

· Some studies have shown that some children and adults may not awaken to the sound of a smoke alarm; they may need help waking up.

· If the smoke alarm sounds: Go to the closest exit, and if there is smoke on your way out, turn and use the second way out. If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the exit. Don't take time to pick up belongings; just get out and help others get out. Move fast but stay calm.

Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country. For 85 years fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.