Summit Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Week 2019
Fire Prevention week was October 6 through 12. The Summit Fire Department teamed up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote the 2019 Fire Prevention Week campaign: “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” The goal of the campaign is to educate about the small but important actions people can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
In 2017 U.S. Fire Departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. Fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a home fire per day during 2012 to 2016.
“These numbers illustrate how home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,” reports Lorraine Carli, NFPA Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy. “In a typical home fire people may have as few as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice is essential in giving everyone enough time to get out.”
While NFPA and the Summit Fire Department are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they are,” explains Chief Eric Evers. “When entering a new location, I always advise people to look around for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
For more information on Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Summit, go tocityofsummit.org or contact the Summit Fire Department at 908-277-9358. For more information on national Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit fpw.org.
