Fire Prevention Week Officially Kicks Off Sunday

October 7th-13th is National Fire Prevention Week, an annual public awareness campaign to promote fire safety throughout the U.S. This year’s theme is “Have 2 Ways Out!” which focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

The Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company kicked off the event earlier this week when they got a visit by pre-schoolers from Middlefield Children's Center.

"A highlight of the experience is one of the firefighters donning their full protective gear and turning on the breathing apparatus, showing the children the "friendly monster" firefighter," said volunteer Lori Helmedach who serves as MVFC's education officer.

"We try to let them touch the firefighter and see how it looks. The emphasis is on not being afraid and yelling for help," she said.

Created and sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the goal of National Fire Prevention Week is to educate families on what causes home fires, how to prevent them, and what to do in an emergency situation. 

Students from Miss Joanne's Learning Center in Rockfall and John Lyman Elementary School are learning about EDITH, or Exit Drills In The Home. Firefighters stressed the importance of having two escape exits in event of a fire.

The fire department welcomes all citizens who have questions to call 860-349-7124. An open house is being planned for early next year.

The South Fire District will be holding its annual Fire Safety Festival & Open House today from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, rain or shine. 

NFSA provides the following fire safety tips for families:

• Make an escape plan
• Install smoke detectors in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and check the batteries often
• Install fire sprinklers throughout your house
• Once you’re out, stay out! Do not re-enter a burning building
• Practice your home fire escape plan twice a year

And these tips for kids:

1. Never touch matches, candles or lighters.  Make sure you tell an adult immediately if you see matches or a lighter in a room.
2. Don’t cook alone.
3. Remind your parents to turn pot handles toward the center of the stove.
4. Never stick anything in an electric socket.
5. Never hang anything on a lamp, heater, or radiator.
6. Always let an adult know if there is any kind of smoke or fire in your house.
7. If there is a fire, get out fast.
8. Once you are out of the house, call 9-1-1 immediately.
9. In case of fire, develop an escape plan with your parents.  Plan for two possible escape routes out of your house.  Practice your escape plan with your parents several times a year.
10. Stay low to the floor when escaping a fire, as smoke rises and makes it difficult to see.

For more information on National Fire Prevention Week and local events in your area, visitwww.NFPA.org.