| NFPA's fire prevention week will be held from October 7-13 and will focus on home fire safety |
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the 2012 Fire Prevention Week theme as “Have Two Ways Out!” to encourage families across the country to prioritize fire escape planning and practice. From October 7-13, 2012, NFPA blazes the trail for home fire safety and leads the campaign to have a home fire escape plan that prepares families to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. If one exit is blocked by smoke, it’s imperative to plan for another escape outlet.
“We are excited for this year’s theme because it is simple and to the point—always plan for two ways out of your home,” says Jim Shannon, president of NFPA. “You never know which direction a fire will come from, and being prepared can save the lives of you and your loved ones.”
Sparky the Fire Dog, NFPA’s mascot, and North Las Vegas Fire Department were at the North Las Vegas Boys and Girls Club yesterday as part of NFPA’s Annual Conference & Expo. They shared fire safety information with kids and Sparky debuted his new music video – “Two Ways Out”
To coincide with this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, NFPA gives practical fire safety tips to families:
- Make a map of your home; mark a door and window that can be used to get out of every room.
- Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home.
- Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan.
- Practice your escape plan twice a year.
To further spread the word about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, Sparky the Fire Dog kicks off Sparky’s Wish List. The Wish List encourages neighborhoods to partner together to build fire-safe communities and provides a tangible way for media, local businesses and the general public to get involved with Fire Prevention Week. In the online registry, fire departments create wish lists of fire safety materials needed for school visits, bringing fire departments and community members together to support life-saving programs.