The Winooski 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.
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 from 2012 to 2016.
“These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “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.”
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Captain Liam Keating of the Winooski Fire Department. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
The Winooski Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, including a Fire Prevention Open House on Sunday, November 3rd, 2019 (11 AM – 2 PM at the Winooski Fire Department on 120 Main Street).
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Winooski, call the Winooski Fire Department: 802 655 6420 or visit our Facebook page to learn more.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.
Download this press release.
Questions regarding this press release can be sent to John Audy, Fire Chief: 802 655 6410 / jaudy@winooskivt.gov