Northwest Iowa — Now through Saturday, October 12th is Fire Prevention Week in the U.S.
The National Fire Protection Association or “NFPA” is in charge of Fire Prevention Week each year. They say this year’s campaign is, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape,” and they advise you to “Plan and Practice Your Escape!” They say they are working to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
The NFPA says that 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. They say escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out. They advise you to plan ahead for your escape from a fire.
Sibley Fire Chief Ken Huls says their department is busy this week. He says the week serves not only as a time to share fire prevention tips, but also as a public relations opportunity.
He says that they also talk about clothing and how especially winter outerwear is not flame-retardant; not to place a heater near bedding or other flammables; lighter safety and not to play with matches or lighters; to stop, drop, and roll if your clothes are on fire; and how and when to call 911.
As far as the theme, this year — escaping a fire — Huls says that’s one of their main topics every year. He tells us about EDITH (Escape Drills In The Home).
Huls also advises that people should sleep with their bedroom doors closed because fire evidence has shown that a closed door can slow down a fire. In fact, firefighters have seen fire completely devastate a room with an open door, while a room with a closed door was basically untouched.
To learn more about fire prevention, visit www.firepreventionweek.org and www.sparky.org/fpw.
