Today’s home fires burn faster than ever. 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. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice.
North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire are 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, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere™,” which works to educate the public about basic but essential ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire.
NFPA statistics show that the number of U.S. home fires has been steadily declining over the past few decades. However, the death rate per 1000 home fires that are reported to fire departments was 10% higher in 2016 than in 1980. While people feel safest in their home, it is also the place people are at greatest risk to fire, with four out of five U.S. fire deaths occurring at home. Which is why all this week North Tahoe Fire Protection District will be visiting schools to teach them about home fires, "Look for fire dangers in their homes outlets that are over loaded, something that is too close to the stove or a heater," explains Erin Holland with North Tahoe Fire.
This years theme is “Look. Listen. Learn.” campaign highlights three steps people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire:
- Look for places fire could start.
- Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm.
- Learn 2 ways out of every room.
While we are focusing on home fires, these fire safety messages apply to virtually anywhere. Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Chief Schwartz. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately and stay out.”
The fire district has been visiting schools for Fire Protection Week for years and have been able to see it pay off in the past, "The child got out unharmed and she said 'oh yea i learned that from one of the schools demonstrations," says Captain Dan Gomez with North Tahoe Fire.
With Halloween in a few weeks and the holidays coming up, fire crews also want you to be aware of those dangers, they recommend using LED candles and being aware of where your decorations are plugged in and make sure not to over hear and extension cords or surge protectors.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.
North Tahoe Fire Protection District contributed to this report
