Does your family have a plan to escape in the event of a home fire?
This year for Fire Prevention Week, the Des Moines Fire Department is asking residents to make and practice an escape plan to keep their families prepared in the case of an emergency
“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different,” Fire Marshal Jonathan Lund said. “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure you’re prepared to help them.”
DMFD is hosting a series of events with one at each Des Moines Public Library branch next week (Oct. 10-13) to support this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape.”
DMFD firefighters will be at every Des Moines Public Library location to share fire safety-themed stories during storytime, with readings provided in both English and Spanish at the East Side Library. Kids will also have the chance to explore a fire truck and firefighter equipment.
Additionally, the Fire Department received more than 250 submissions to their Fire Prevention Week poster contest from Des Moines elementary school students. Winners will be recognized at a reception on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the DMFD administration building, 2715 Dean Avenue in Des Moines. The grand prize winners will receive a very special ride to school in a fire truck.
Des Moines firefighters use the week as an opportunity to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. DMFD responded to 845 fires in 2021, with fire incidents resulting in 15 civilian injuries and 1 civilian death.
Fire Prevention Week is held annually in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA established Fire Prevention week to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres on Oct. 8 in 1871.
The Des Moines Fire Department wants to share these key home fire escape planning tips:
- Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
- Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
- Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
- Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.
Original source can be found here.
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