Information courtesy of the Shrewsbury Fire Department
Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7-13, gives the fire service the opportunity to reach out to the community and empower its citizens to prevent home fires and protect their families.
This year’s theme, “Have 2 Ways Out!” reminds families how important it is to have two ways out of every building—especially our homes, where most fires take place.
No one thinks fire will happen to them, yet according to data from the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS), there were 29,110 fires reported in Massachusetts during 2011 causing 54 civilian deaths, 2 fire service deaths, 323 civilian injuries, 422 fire service injuries and an estimated $217 million in property damage. That’s why it is so important to practice good fire safety by staying in the kitchen when cooking, not overloaded electrical outlets and taking care of our heating systems. It’s also important to be prepared by installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which give you more time to escape. Please make and practice a home escape plan, so everyone will know what to do in an emergency.
- U. S. Fire Administration Focus On Fire Safety has good information for Fire Prevention Week.
- NFPA's Focus on Fire Prevention Week provides excellent information for parents, children, teachers, and firefighters to teach fire safety and prevention.
- SAFE Kids USA® also offers resources on fire prevention.
In Northborough, said Chief David Durgin, the fire department concentrated much of its fire prevention outreach at Applefest a few weeks ago. The department is, however, visiting classrooms throughout the week.