The Arcadia Fire Department is gearing up 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.
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. Home fire escape planning and practice home fire escape planning and drills are an essential part of fire safety. A home fire escape plan needs to be developed and practiced before a fire strikes.
Home fire escape planning should include the following:
- Drawing a map of each level of the home, showing all doors and windows.
- Going to each room and pointing to the two ways out.
- Making sure someone will help children, older adults, and people with disabilities wake up and get out.
- Teaching children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
- Establishing a meeting place outside and away from the home where everyone can meet after exiting.
- Having properly installed and maintained smoke alarms.
Home fire escape practice should include the following:
- Pushing the smoke alarm button to start the drill.
- Practicing what to do in case there is smoke: Get low and go. Get out fast.
- Practicing using different ways out, and closing doors behind you as you leave.
- Never going back for people, pets, or things.
- Going to your outdoor meeting place.
- Calling 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone.
During the month of October, the Arcadia Fire Department will be spreading the word and providing information on the necessity of planning and practicing your escape. For further information, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (626) 574-5104 or visit the City’s website for updates at ArcadiaCA.gov or the NFPA’s at firepreventionweek.org.
