Fire Prevention Week 2012 Just Around The Corner...

NEWS RELEASES

NFPA offers tools, tips and resources for October’s Fire Prevention Week

Campaign offers life-saving reminder to have an escape plan

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) annual awareness campaign, Fire Prevention Week, is slated for October 7-13. The non-profit fire safety organization is reminding the public to, ‘Have 2 Ways Out’, the theme for this year’s effort which focuses on the importance of having multiple escape routes in the event of a fire.

“Less than 25 percent of American households have developed and practiced a fire escape plan to be prepared in the event of a real emergency,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Communications. “Having a plan and knowing what to do can make the difference between getting out safely and quickly or not.”

The Fire Prevention Week website is the central portal for information and resources to help people from fire chiefs and community leaders running outreach programs, to parents teaching their families basic home fire safety information.

The site includes fire safety tip sheets, fire statistics, a family safety checklist, Sparky the Fire Dog® activities for kids and public service announcement videos.

Visitors can also test their knowledge of fire safety with the Fire Prevention Week Quiz, a great resource to see how well prepared families are for an emergency. Quiz-takers can review their results and compare them with others via Twitter and Facebook.

New for 2012, NFPA launched Sparky’s Wish List, designed to help fire departments connect with their local communities. Fire departments across the country have registered for public safety education materials they need in their communities. Individuals can then help their local fire department prepare for Fire Prevention Week by fulfilling the wishes.

NFPA offers these important fire safety tips:

• Watch your cooking: Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• Give space heaters space: Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Smoke outside: Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach: Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock.
• Inspect electrical cords: Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections.
• Be careful when using candles: Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have a home fire escape plan: Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
• Install smoke alarms: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Test smoke alarms: Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace conventional batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old.
• Install sprinklers: If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive.

About Fire Prevention WeekNFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week since 1922. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925. Visitwww.firepreventionweek.org for more safety information.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

2012's Fire Prevention Week Theme...

 Fire Prevention Week for 2012 will be held October 7th - 13th, and it's theme this for this year is "Have 2 ways out!"

In 2008, home fires killed 2,755 people and injured 13,160. Two of every five home fire deaths were in a home with no smoke alarms and another one in five was in a home where the smoke alarms were not working.

The reality is that when fire strikes, your home could be engulfed in smoke and flames in just a few minutes. 

How to Make a Fire Safety Plan -- powered by ehow

This year's theme aims to educate how it is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? That's why having two ways out is such a key part of your plan.

Having working smoke alarms can cut the chances of dying in a fire in half.

The theme will also focus on how to choose, install, and maintain smoke alarms.

NFPA has taken the lead in public fire safety outreach by serving as the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for 88 years.



The annual public awareness and safety commemoration, which is proclaimed by the President of the United States each year, is observed by fire departments in the U.S. and Canada to mark the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire that occurred on October 8th 1871.

According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

Fire Prevention Week is held every year durint the week of October 9th.

This year’s theme,“Have 2 Ways Out!”, focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Unattended cooking remains one of the leading cause of U.S. home fires

Leaving an unattended pan or skillet cooking on the stove is a good way to burn your food, not to mention the chance of burning down your house.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) cooking fires are the #1 cause of home* fires and home fire injuries. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fire started with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. Further more according to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) statistics, almost 30 percent of all reported home fires start in the kitchen, and of those, most involve the range-top.

Basic cooking fire prevention and fire safety mesures are very simple and easy to do and can prevent a cooking situation from becoming a far worse outcome. Just remember, practice and use these Cooking Fire Safety Tips ...

* Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.

* Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended, and keep a close eye on food cooking inside the oven.

* Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging).

* Keep children and pets away from cooking areas by creating a three-foot (one-meter) "kid–free zone" around the stove.

* Turn pot handles inward so they can't be bumped and children can't grab them.

* Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.

* Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated.

* Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner.

* Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.

* If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing.

* There is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call the fire department and make sure to have the oven serviced before you use it again.

* Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lids or other coverings from microwaved food carefully to prevent steam burns.

Fire can ripped through a home after a unattended cooking fire gets started. Such was the case in Lehigh Acres, Florida when the Lehigh Acres Fire Rescue responded to combat a structure fire at 2706 13th Street SW at 1325 hours on 2/24/12. The cause of the fire was unattended cooking. The family told firefighters that around 1:30 p.m., they left their home after cooking and forgot to turn the stove off. Here's news footage of this fire and video footage of the firefighters fighting the blaze...

Remember, Prevent Fires! It's Your Job!

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Fire Safe Cooking Holiday Season

This week, on Thursday, is Thanksgiving Day with the holiday cooking starting across the country as well as marking the start to the holiday season. It is also a time to be reminded and encourage while cooking to take extra precautions and fire safety measures to prevent any kitchen fires from starting. It is hope that this Thanksgiving will be as safe as it was last year.

Fire statistics show that firefighters have responded to a number of kitchen fires each Holiday Season in years past. It is often the case that while the holiday meal is being put together the cook’s attention is diverted from the cooking thus raising the risk of a fire to start. The extra people in the home while the holiday meal is cooking can add to the confusion with the chance of the cook leaving something on the stove too long. The next thing you know, you have a kitchen fire.

DON’T BE A FIRE STATISTIC!

Turkey Fryers are often the source of cooking-related fires when they are used to prepare a holiday season meal. From YouTube® here’s a very important example of what could happen if a turkey fryer is used improperly:

U.S. fire departments are responding to more than 1,000 fires each year when a deep fryer is involved. The National Fire Association says deep fryers fires can result in more than $15 million in property damage each year and hot oil splatter can cause serious burns to an adult or life-threatening to a child.

Using turkey fryers this year to cook a turkey you most take several fire safety steps to insure their safety. Always use the turkey fryer outside and NOT in the garage or house. Make sure the turkey is completely defrosted and dried off before putting in the hot oil. Forgetting to simply drying off the turkey will result in the stating of hot oil splashing and then things begin to catch fire. The BIGGEST DANGER when using the turkey deep-fryer is when it’s not thawed or dried correctly, which can cause the grease or hot oil to splash or thaw. The YouTube® Turkey Fryer Fire Demonstration, presented by William Shatner & State Farm® demonstrated and showed the result of not following proper, very simple, fire safety precautions.

A full charged fire extinguisher should be kept near the door of the kitchen as well as near where you are using the turkey fryer outside. The fire extinguisher is to be used to fight small fires, when they are just started, and one should always escape from the fire area if the fire gets out of had where it cannot be put out with portable fire extinguish. When there is a fire, don’t hesitate to call 911, and call before fighting the fire or have someone call when you are using the fire extinguisher.

As the popularity of turkey fryers increase, more people are at risk for injury or property damage as information from State Farms Insurance states.

Fire Safety does not stop just because it’s the holiday season, and we need to keep this in mind as we celebrating. Remember that one of the leading causes of home fires is unattended cooking. When you are cooking, stay in the kitchen, stay with that turkey fryer. If you have to leave, for whatever reason, make sure you turn the appliance off. If there’s a pot on the stove, move it from one heat element after turning element off to another cooler element. If you ever have a pot of grease or hot oil catch fire, cover it with a lid, turn off the switch to it, and NEVER NEVER put a grease/hot oil fire with water as that will result only making a bad fire into a worse fire.

A little extra attention during the hectic holiday season goes a long way to keeping family and guests fire safe.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Thanksgiving is peak day for home cooking fires

NFPA urges caution when preparing holiday meals

November 9, 2011 – The number of home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day was three times the national average of fires per day in 2009, according the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.) NFPA is urging the public to keep fire safety in mind when preparing holiday meals.

“Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind of cooking and entertaining guests,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. “With so much multitasking taking place, fire hazards around the oven or stovetop can easily be overlooked. Cooks should be conscious of fire safety this Thanksgiving whether the menu is meant to serve two or 20.”

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and related injuries. In 2005-2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 155,400 home fires per year involving cooking equipment. These fires caused an annual average of 390 civilian deaths, 4,800 civilian injuries, and $771 million in direct property damage.

Download NFPA's Thanksgiving safety tips. (PDF, 868 KB)

To reduce the risk of cooking fires this holiday, NFPA recommends the following safety tips:

1. Keep anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from the stovetop.
2. Always stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
3. When simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
4. Stay alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire…

1. Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
2. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
3. If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear path (to your way out of the home and someone has called the fire department).
4. Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
5. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Stay safe on the spookiest day of the year

NEWS RELEASE:
NFPA’s tips on staying fire safe for the holiday

October 2011 – It’s time again for the creepy decorations, falling leaves, endless costumes, and lit Jack-o-lanterns. As families across the country begin to prepare for what has become an increasingly popular holiday, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding everyone to take a few simple safety precautions in order to ensure a fun, safe, and not too scary Halloween.

“It’s an exciting holiday especially for the kids but if precautions are not taken, scary things can happen,” said Lorraine Carli NFPA’s vice president of communications. “Candle decorations and flowing costumes create an extra risk of fire.” According to Carli, candle fires represent a leading cause of U.S. home fires and Halloween is one of the top five days for candle fires.

Send a Sparky e-card to celebrate the holiday.

Judy Comoletti, NFPA Division Manager of Public Education, talks about how planning ahead can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one.

NFPA offers the following safety tips to help keep horror from striking your home this season:

• When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long, trailing fabric. If you are making your own costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
• It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candles in a Jack-o-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside Jack-o-lanterns, use long fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.
• If you choose to use candle decorations, make sure to keep them well attended at all times.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)
• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.
• If your children are going to Halloween parties at others’ homes, have them look for ways out of the home and plan how they would get out in an emergency.
• Children should always go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult.
• Remind children to stay together as a group and walk from house to house.
• Review how to cross a street with your child. Look left, right and left again to be sure no cars are approaching before crossing the street.
• Make a rule that children will not eat any treat until it has been brought home and examined by a grown-up.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

A Fire Safe Home: Install Smoke Alarms, Practice a Family Escape Plan

"Protect Your Family From Fire"

Press Releases By: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urge consumers to take time during Fire Prevention Week to check their homes for fire risks and to develop and practice a family escape plan.

CPSC estimates an annual average of more than 386,000 unintentional residential fires (pdf), nearly 2,400 deaths and more the 12,500 injuries each year from 2006 through 2008.

“Build layers of fire safety in your home,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “Install smoke alarms on every floor and in every bedroom. If you already have smoke alarms, make sure they are working. Smoke alarms provide early warning of a potentially deadly fire and can reduce the risk of dying from fire in your home by almost half.”

“Planning a home fire escape is an essential part of being prepared to act and get out quickly if a fire occurs,” said NFPA President James M. Shannon. “Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of every room and a family meeting place outside. Practice your plan at least twice a year.”

Safe practices, such as the following, are the first line of defense in preventing a fire in your home:

1. Install smoke alarms – A smoke alarm (pdf) should be installed on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms. When it comes to surviving a fire, a smoke alarm is critical for early detection of a fire and can mean the difference between life and death. About two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that don’t work.

   Install both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms. Alarms should have battery backup. Consider installing interconnected smoke alarms because when one sounds, they all sound throughout the home.

2. Have a family escape plan – Develop and practice a family escape plan. Make sure everyone knows how to escape when the smoke alarm sounds, whether awake or asleep at the time. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. Designate a meeting place outside. Once out, stay out! To help make a family escape plan, see this NFPA publication (pdf).
3. Cook safely – Stay in the kitchen and keep a watchful eye while you are cooking. Unattended cooking is the number one cause of cooking fires. Cooking equipment accounted for the largest percentage of home fires from 2006 through 2008 that were reported by fire departments. For this time period, CPSC estimates an annual average of nearly 150,000 cooking fires which is nearly 40 percent of unintentional residential fires. These fires resulted in an average of 150 deaths each year.
4. Fireplace safety – Have fireplace flues and chimneys inspected for leakage and blockage from creosote or debris every year. Store fireplace ashes in a fire-resistant container, and cover the container with a lid. Keep the container outdoors and away from combustibles. Dispose of ashes carefully, keeping them away from dry leaves, trash or other combustible materials.

   Heating and cooling equipment accounted for the second-largest percentage of home fires from 2006 through 2008. CPSC estimates an annual average of nearly 57,000 fires and 220 deaths during that time period. Fireplaces and chimneys represented the majority of those fires with an annual average of nearly 27,000 from 2006 through 2008.

5. Electrical safety – CPSC estimates there was an annual average of 150 deaths from 2006 through 2008 attributable to electrical components.

   Check the ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) (pdf) in your home to make sure they’re working. GFCIs can prevent electrocution. CPSC recommends installing GFCIs in the kitchen, bathrooms and other areas where the risk of electric shock is higher.

   Install arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). AFCIs are designed to protect against fires caused by arcing faults in a home’s electrical wiring.

   For more information, see CPSC’s “Home Electrical Safety Checklist.” (pdf)

6. Avoid mattress fires (pdf) – Don’t allow children to play with candles, lighters or smoking materials. Extinguish candles before you leave the room. Buy a mattress that meets the federal flammability standards. The open flame standard limits the intensity of mattress fires and provides more escape time for consumers.
7. Use caution when smoking – Smoking materials caused the most deaths in residential fires, an average of 600 deaths each year from 2006 through 2008. Don’t smoke in bed.
8. Don’t use gel fuel in firepots – CPSC has recalled millions of bottles of gel fuel due to burn and flash-fire hazards. The pourable gel fuel can ignite unexpectedly and splatter onto people and objects nearby when it is poured into a firepot that is still burning. Contact the manufacturer to return the product for a full refund. There have been deaths associated with gel fuel.

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

It's Fire Prevention Week! Protect Your Family From Fire! – Oct 9-15, 2011

The National Fire Protection Association has recognized Oct. 9 through Oct. 15 as Fire Prevention Week for 86 years now. Fire Prevention Week was started by President Calvin Coolidge in 1925 and always is the week in which Oct. 9 falls. Fire Prevention Week coincides with the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, Oct. 8-10, 1871.

According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

During this week, emphasizes will be placed on how to “Protect Your Family from Fire.” To do this you have to just do some basic but very important steps. Practicing these fire safety measures throughout the year is essential to a good solid fire prevention plan that will help protect those you love.

This year, our National Fire Prevention Week campaign is all about keeping you, your family, and your community safer from fire. You'll find educational material and tip sheets on the leading causes of home fires, information about protecting your home and families with life-saving technologies, and the importance of home escape planning by go to ...

The NFPA’s

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK web page…

Tioga Fire Protection and Fire Prevention reminds all to change their smoke detector batteries when they change their clocks, practice an in-home fire escape plan, and be fire safety smart.

Fires can strike anywhere – in structures, buildings, automobiles, and the outdoors – but fires that affect our homes are often the most tragic and the most preventable.

Over 75% percent of all fire fatalities occur in home fires.

This year' s National Fire Prevention Week theme is "Protect Your Family from Fire." You can protect your family by:

1. Installing smoke alarms on every level of your home,
2. Testing smoke alarms once a month,
3. Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, and
4. Making and practicing a home fire escape plan.

For more specific details on how these four fire safety items can be practiced in your fire prevention practices at home go to the U.S. Fire Administration’s Focus on Fire Safety web page…

Many fire departments across the county will host open house events highlighting equipment, apparatus and the different emergency services provided to the community. For more information and to find out what is happening in your area thi s week, call the local fire department for times & dates.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

The key to getting out alive? Have an Escape Plan!

In the event of a home fire or major disaster, will you know what to do? It’s important for your family to have an escape plan and to practice it on a regular basis. Having an escape plan that is known by all members of your family can be the key to getting out alive.

An escape plan consists of knowing two ways out of each room. In addition to knowing two ways out of each room, your family should have a meeting place outside your home where everyone knows where to congregate once they’ve escaped. Examples of good meeting places would include a mailbox, tree or landmark a safe distance in front of your house.

Once you’re out, stay out! When rescuers arrive at your home, they will ask members at the meeting place if anyone is missing. This will allow rescuers to determine whether or not they need to enter your home to search for a missing person.

Developing an escape plan is a great start. It is also important to practice your escape plan regularly so that there is no question as to where everyone should meet in case of an emergency.

Escape plan grids are available online at www.sparky.org for families who are interested in mapping out their escape plans. Be proactive in your life fire safety efforts. Have an Escape Plan!

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Gear Up for Fire Prevention Week with Useful Tools from the NFPA

"Protect Your Family From Fire"

News releases By: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) annual public awareness campaign, Fire Prevention Week (FPW), begins October 9. This year’s theme is focused on educating families about what causes home fires, how to prevent them, and what to do in an emergency situation.

The Fire Prevention Week website offers helpful tools and resources for anyone wanting to run a community campaign or people simply trying to educate themselves or family members. Some features on the site include the Fire Prevention Week quiz, public service announcement videos, fire safety resources for families, and safety tip sheets covering a broad range of topics.

Fire Prevention Week website visitors can test their fire safety IQ with the Fire Week Prevention Quiz, which asks questions about pertinent fire safety information such as, “Where do most home fires start?” and “What time in the day do home fires peak?” At the end of the quiz, visitors can see how they did, review correct answers, and even showcase their results on Facebook or Twitter.

Kids of all ages are sure to enjoy audio and video public service announcements that touch upon the topics of escape planning and smoke alarms. The videos feature NFPA’s mascot Sparky, who is voiced by firefighter Barry Brickey, winner of the popular “Voice of Sparky” contest.

Parents and children can learn about home fire safety together with a printer-friendly version of the Family Fire Safety Checklist. The checklist is contoured for grown-ups and kids to familiarize the whole family with smoke alarms and fire escape planning. Hanging the checklist on the fridge is a great way to keep the family aware of fire safety.

Safety Tip Sheets are also available on the FPW website and cover cooking, escape planning, heating, smoke alarms, home fire sprinklers, candles, electric wiring, and smoking materials. The detailed sheets offer life-saving safety tips as well as relevant information and statistics related to home fire safety.

Visit the Fire Prevention Week website for safety tips, statistical information, and more. The materials are available for use by fire departments, teachers, families and anyone interested in learning or teaching about fire safety.

About Fire Prevention Week NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week since 1922. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Fire Escape Plan & Know Your Exits Out...

Leaving our home, the work place, a grocery store, theater, or even an airplane once it arrives at the airport terminal is a very simple task to do, you go through the exit. But, what if it’s blocked? What if you can’t go through the normal entrance to exit? In an emergency situation you might have to go through a second exit that’s not blocked. Sounds simple but in an emergency situation, and it has happen, the situation might balloon out of control where everyone gets caught up in the excitement of the emergency situation.

When you’re away from home always look and keep in mind of a second path of travel. Remember a proper plan of escape becomes essential. Preplanning maximizes a safe escape and is part of everyone’s daily fire prevention duties.

A proper plan of escape becomes very important in the home. It only takes 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a big blaze and your house can fill up with smoke in just minutes. That's why firefighters want every family to have an escape plan and practice it so everyone gets out alive.

You must have a plan to get out if your house ever catches on fire. You don’t have time to plan a fire escape plan when you need one. On a piece of paper draw a floor plan of your home. Draw two ways out of each room especially sleeping areas. You can use doorways and windows. Meet with everyone that lives in your home and discuss this floor plan and make sure everyone understands it. Plan a place to meet outside so everyone can wait on the fire department. Practice your plan. Make it realistic.

Pretend that some exits are blocked or use blindfolds to pretend the lights are out. Be sure everyone in the house can unlock all doors and windows that may be used to get out. Sleep with your doors closed to keep the heat and smoke out of your room longer to allow additional time to escape. Practice your drills at least twice a year. Remember that this is not a race, but ensure that everyone can escape quickly and safely.

If there is a fire:

Test the doors before you try to open them they may be hot. Use the back of your hand to test the door. If you appear to be trapped in a room stuff clothes or any thing you can find to try to stop the smoke from entering the room you are in until the fire department can get you out. If there is a fire do not stop for anything just get out and meet at your meeting place outside. Always crawl when leaving a smoke filled house.

Once you leave your home NEVER return to the home.

Here’s a one of my very first online videos I made entitled “Proper Escape Plan Becomes Essential” that I recorded for Fire Prevention Week 2009...

All the aspects I go over on a proper escape plan are all simple and easy to follow. Knowing two exits out is always important. Make it part of your daily routine to where it’ll be second nature if & when you will need to egress/exit a home of facility.

Creating an proper escape plan and having a meeting place speeds up the process for firefighters to move in and save your home. Again, everyone should know at least two ways to get out of every room. Knowing that second exit out will get you & family members out safely and keep everyone alive in an emergency situation.

For more information about having a proper fire escape plan visit: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) BASIC FIRE ESCAPE PLANNING or the United States Fire Administration (USFA) Escape Planning web pages.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)