The Broken Arrow Fire Department (BAFD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 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 deaths and 10,600 injuries. From 2012 to 2016, an average of seven people per day died in home fires.
“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.”
NFPA has sponsored Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years.
While NFPA and the BAFD are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Broken Arrow Fire Marshal Stan Spradlin. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
BAFD is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign. Events include the annual 3rd Grade poster contest, as well as visits to various elementary schools to teach children about fire safety.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Broken Arrow, please contact Debby Bell at 918-259-8360 ext.6471. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.
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