The New Rochelle Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years—to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Fire Chief Andy Sandor. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
NFPA statistics show that in 2017 U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day during 2012 to 2016.
According to Sandor, here are some tips to prevent these unfortunate scenarios: Be aware of areas around stoves, chimneys, and heating appliances such as woodstoves. Re-evaluate the extension cord/multi-use outlet/powerstrip situation in your house, being careful not to overload. If in doubt or have questions about power strips and overloading circuits, call your electrician. And finally, make an escape plan. In a typical home 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.
While NFPA and the New Rochelle Fire Department are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.
PHOTO AND VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday, October 13 @ 8am Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service
Holy Name of Jesus Church
Followed by Station 1 Memorial Service @ 9:30am
Wednesday, October 23 @10AM NRFD Annual Awards & Promotion Ceremony
City Hall- Council Chambers