Every October our members participate in Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW), sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association®. As we approach this 100th anniversary, we can reflect on the amazing accomplishments of our work in promoting building and fire codes, training our workforce, and educating the public on the importance of home fire safety. 100 years later, we have much to show for our hard work, but some problems remain.
Every 93 seconds, U.S. Fire Departments respond to a home fire. While the number of home fires has decreased, they are more deadly. You are more likely to die in a home fire today than in 1980. That is why this year’s FPW theme, “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. Today’s homes burn faster than ever, with residents having as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. The ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.
IAFC is excited to be celebrating this 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week and invites our membership to do the same. Fire Prevention Week is not just a set of slogans, it’s a clear call to action for communities to learn more about today’s home fire issues, and to be empowered to protect themselves and their families. Firepreventionweek.org has a number of resources for the fire service to use in educating their communities. This includes a Toolkit page with social media cards, templates, logos, and activities.
The Older Adults page on the site has key tips and a new video geared to older adults and their caregivers, as many will need to make additional accommodations to plan for their abilities in the event of a home fire.
Please join with IAFC, NFPA and of course, Sparky the Fire Dog® in promoting this year’s important Fire Prevention Week message, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.” and we encourage you to follow Sparky the Fire Dog® on Twitter and Facebook and NFPA on Instagram to keep up with the latest in Fire and Life Safety education.
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