Washington City Fire Department

Every Second Counts, Plan Two Ways Out

Each year, Fire Prevention Week (FPW) is observed during the week where October 9th falls. This year FPW is October 8th through the14th. FPW commemorates two terrible events that occurred in October of 1871. While we all remember hearing about the great Chicago Fire and Ms. O’leary’s cow allegedly kicking over a lantern, just two days earlier, 2.500 people lost their lives in a tragic wildland fire (peshtigo). While Fire and Life Safety should be an everyday part of our lives, FPW should be a time to review our own Fire and Life Safety plan.

This year’s theme is “Every Second Counts, Plan Two Ways Out” you can find an escape plan checklist provided by the National Fire Protection Association online at FirePreventionWeek.org. It is a fun little project that all residents and visitors can participate in to develop and practice a Home Fire Escape Plan. Pay special attention two working smoke alarms and two means of egress from each space in your homes. Feel free to print it out and use it to help design and practice your escape plan. If you already have one, Good for you. Just use this a reminder to practice your plan. Remember some people, especially children can sleep through sounding smoke alarms. To better understand how those in your home will respond, practice your plan while others are sleeping as well.

If you have questions, comments or concerns regarding Fire and Life Safety, feel free to contact our Fire Marshal Jim Guynn 435-680-6600 or any of our firefighters at the main fire station at 435-673-4788.