NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® — to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week this week.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape”, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.
"At school, there is an evacuation plan, whether it be for tornadoes or for fire or for any of the other rest of the stuff that's going on in this world," said Hutchinson Fire Marshal Mike Cain. "They have to have a plan and they have to practice that plan, so they have fire drills."
You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds.
"Fire is incredibly fast now, with all of the stuff that the furniture is made of these days," Cain said. "Couches and recliners, they're all petroleum-based foam, so they are just gasoline sitting there."
Hutchinson Fire Department wants to share these key home fire escape planning tips:
· Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
· Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every levelof your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
· Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
· Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
· Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Hutchinson, please contact the Hutchinson Fire Department at 620-694-2871.