State Fire Commissioner Provides Seasonal Fire Prevention Tips
Acting State Fire Commissioner Charles McGarvey is urging Pennsylvanians to take part in this year’s Fire Prevention Week and review important fire safety information.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape,” works to educate everyone about the importance of fire escape planning. Knowing what to do and where to go when a smoke alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe.
A home escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and near all sleeping areas. It also includes two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place that’s a safe distance from the home.
- Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
- Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case adults are not able to help them.
- Make sure your house number is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
- Close doors behind you as you leave — this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Never go back inside a burning building. Once outside, stay outside.
For additional information on fire safety, including seasonal fire safety tips, visit the Office of State Fire Commissioner online at www.osfc.pa.gov.
