Fire Prevention Week runs from October 9-15, and this year, the Cambridge Fire Department (CFD) is urging residents to remember that ‘Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.'
During the week, residents are invited to the CFD’s free open house to learn about fire prevention and safety. There’s much to look forward to including fire truck rides, junior firefighter games, and educational activities.
The Open House will run from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 15 at Fire Station 1, 1625 Bishop St. N.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign aims to educate residents on the simple yet important steps they can take to create a home fire escape plan, 'and that to 'practice today, may prevent tragedy tomorrow.'
“Everyone needs to be prepared with a home fire escape plan so that you know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds,” said Cambridge Fire Chief, Brian Arnold.
“Every home is different, so everyone’s home fire escape plan will be different. Make sure that everyone in your home understands the plan and where to go should the alarm go off.”
Here are some key home fire escape planning tips from the Cambridge Fire Department:
- 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 level of 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.
- Sleep with your bedroom doors closed to prevent the spread of smoke and fire into your bedroom.
Resources about fire safety are available on the CFD's website. To learn more about Fire Prevention Week in Cambridge, visit the Cambridge Fire Department’s website here.
