National Fire Prevention Week

Did you know that tens of thousands of people are injured and thousands of people die every year in house fires? Scary, right? Household fires can be caused by a variety of things, including children playing with matches, smoking, arson, and faulty wiring. This year, from October 7-13, the National Fire Protection Association recognizes National Fire Prevention Week. The efforts focus on a specific theme each year; this year, the organization urges families to “Have Two Ways Out.”

Locally, the Atlanta Fire Foundation encourages metro-area families to prepare a fire safety plan. In addition to supporting the efforts of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, the foundation offers prevention and preparedness tips:

• Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year. Practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Close doors behind you as you leave.

In addition, smoke alarms save lives. A good rule to remember is to “Change your batteries when you change your clock.” Smoke alarm batteries should be replaced in the spring and in the fall.

For more information on National Fire Prevention Week, please visit www.nfpa.org. For more information on the Atlanta Fire Foundation, which hosts its annual Breakfast with Our Bravest event on November 16, please visit www.atlff.org.

---------------------------------------------------- These tips have been provided locally by the Atlanta Fire Foundation. For more information, please visit www.atlff.org.   The Atlanta Fire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides an avenue for businesses and citizens to donate money or other items to assist the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department in meeting or exceeding their goals and needs. In 2004, the foundation was established to support Atlanta’s bravest by promoting excellence as the unyielding standard for emergency services through professional development, community risk reduction, fire station renovations, special recognition programs and special operations efforts.

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