Oct. 7-13 is Fire Prevention Week

October 7 – 13 is Fire prevention Week in Botetourt County. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to 365,500 home fires in 2015, which resulted in 2,560 civilian deaths. Additionally, newer homes are built with lightweight materials that burn faster than older homes, and many of today’s products and furnishings produce toxic gases and smoke when burned.
These conditions contribute to a smaller window of time for people to escape a home fire, often leaving only one or two minutes to escape from the time a smoke alarm sounds.
All members of households are encouraged to learn and understand a home fire escape plan, which provides the skill set and know-how to quickly and safely escape such a situation.
Practicing a home fire escape plan twice a year ensures that everyone in the household knows what to do in a real fire situation.
The 2018 Fire Prevention Week theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”
The Board of Supervisors passed a proclamation proclaiming Fire Prevention Week at the September meeting.

–submitted by Anita Firebaugh

Photo:  Troutville Volunteer Fire Dept. one of the premiere Fire Departments in Western Virginia. Courtesy of TVFD