The Lompoc Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and Practice your Escape". The campaign works to educate the public about small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
NFPA statistics show 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.
“These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.
While Lompoc Fire Department are focusing on home fires, these fire safety messages apply to virtually anywhere.“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
The Lompoc Fire Department is hosting an Open House on Saturday October 5th in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and Practice your Escape.” It will give the community a chance to meet their local firefighters, get a tour of the station, learn CPR, learn how to use an extinguisher, make an escape plan, and ask any question they may have.
