Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino today announced that the Town has partnered with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to help raise awareness to this year’s Fire Prevention Week, which takes place from October 6th to October 12th. With the slogan “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape, Plan and Practice Your Escape!,” this year’s initiative seeks to educate residents about the small but important actions that can be taken to keep themselves and those around them safe in the case of fire. “National Fire Prevention Week is an exceptional tool to help educate our residents on how situational awareness in the case of a fire is a skill that can prove to save lives,” said Supervisor Saladino. The Town is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association to help protect families and senior citizens from home fires. Remember, no matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.” NFPA statistics indicate that in 2017 U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day during 2012 to 2016. The Town and NFPA remind residents of the following safety and prevention tips:
Safety Tips:
- If your clothes catch fire – stop, drop, and roll!
- If fire breaks out in your home, get out immediately and call the Fire Department! Do not stop to get anything, and do not try to put it out yourself!
- Check the door before you open it. Feel the door with the back of your hand, if it is hot, do not open it, and find another way out!
- If you cannot get out, stay low near a door or window and make as much noise as possible to alert first responders.
- If you are in a commercial building, use the stairwell to evacuate, not the elevator.
Prevention Tips:
- Install smoke detectors on every floor and change the batteries every time you change the clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
- Create an escape plan and practice it regularly!
For more information on fire safety, visit https://www.nfpa.org/