"Fire Won't Wait, Plan Your Escape" by following these safety tips
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND (October 14, 2022) – As National Fire Prevention Week comes to an end, the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) reminds Virginians that fire prevention is not just a week-long event but a year-round focus.
“Fire education is not just for children,” said Ken Brown, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator. “National Fire Prevention Week is about making sure everyone – kids, adults and seniors – understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.”
Follow these ten safety tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside of each bedroom
- Create a home escape plan with your family and routinely practice fire drills together
- Establish an outdoor meeting place for your family to gather in the event of a fire
- Test smoke alarms every month and change batteries at least once a year
- Keep a fire extinguisher in your home
- Store matches and lighters in a safe spot and out of reach from children
- Never leave a burning candle unattended
- Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn
- Use electricity safely by never overloading circuits and replacing cracked or frayed cords
- Have your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned every year
The 2022 Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires. This week, VDFP released fire safety tips to help Virginians be prepared in case of an emergency:
- Monday, October 10: Smoke Alarms
- Tuesday, October 11: Know Two Ways Out
- Wednesday, October 12: Practice Home Fire Drills
- Thursday, October 13: Close Before You Doze
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