ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA – Today’s home fires burn faster than ever. 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. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice.
The Five Cities Fire Authority is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) ‑‑ the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ to promote this year’s 100th Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” which works to educate the public about basic, but essential ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire.
“We know that people often make choices in fire situations that jeopardize their safety or even cost them their lives,” said Fire Chief Steve Lieberman of the Five Cities Fire Authority. “We need to do a better job of teaching people about the potentially life-saving difference that escape planning and practice can make; we need to motivate them to action.”
Chief Lieberman says this year’s “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape” campaign highlights steps people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire.
- Make a plan. Visit each room in your house. Find two ways out.
- Pick a family meeting place outside.
- Practice your plan twice a year.
The Five Cities Fire Authority is hosting an open house in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape”, including vehicle extrication demonstrations and fire apparatus on display. The Open House will take place at Five Cities Fire Authority Headquarters – 140 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande on Saturday, October 8th from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.
Steve Lieberman
Fire Chief, Five Cities Fire Authority
Phone: 805.904.4704 (Cell)