(Darien Times/Kristen Riolo photo)
This week marks the Annual Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls which coincides with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
This year’s theme is “Have 2 Ways Out!”
Plan ahead. If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
Safety tips:
- Ensure that you have properly installed working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within your residence. Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quick.
- Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
- Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
- Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
- Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.
- Practice using different ways out.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- Close doors behind you as you leave.
If the alarm sounds:
- If the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.
- If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
- Call the fire department from outside your home.
For any additional information please feel free to contact the Darien Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-656-7345 or email Fire Marshal Bob Buch at BBuch@darienct.gov
