In celebration of Fire Prevention Week, the Providence Fire Department stresses the importance of fire escape planning and practices

In celebration of Fire Prevention Week, the Providence Fire Department stresses the importance of fire escape planning and practices

Providence, RI- The Providence Fire Department is proud to participate in next week's observance of Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week originated in 1920 with a declaration by President Woodrow Wilson. It is scheduled every year to coincide with the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire which occurred on October 8, 1871.

Fire claims 3,000 lives each year including an average of 100 firefighters' lives and millions of dollars in property loss. This year's theme is "Have 2 Ways Out." This refers to a home exit plan that includes having a primary means of exit and also planning for a secondary means of exit. Residential fires continue to be the leading cause of death and injury from fire. The focus of the campaign is to ensure that every Providence resident has an escape plan and to practice that plan.

The Providence Fire Department recommends the following tips for planning your family's escape:

• Ensure that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and have working batteries.
• Make a map of your home and mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they have escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.
• Write the emergency telephone number of the fire department on your escape plan.
• Have an adult sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone who lives in your home.
• Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and have your family practice the plan twice a year.

"In accordance with the "Have 2 Ways Out" theme, all households should develop an escape plan based on the information found on our website which they can practice," says Chief Michael Dillon. "Seconds count in the event of a home fire. A well thought out escape plan will save time and lives should a fire strike your home."

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week and "Have 2 Ways Out" visit the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) website at www.firepreventionweek.org. The Providence Fire Department's website at www.providenceri.com/fire has materials from the NFPA on how to plan and exercise a fire escape plan for your family.

During Fire Prevention Week and through October, Providence fire trucks will be visiting local schools to spread the fire prevention message.