As Fire Prevention Week™ approaches, Livingston Parish Fire Prevention District 4 reminds residents: Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!™
The Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 4 (LPFPD4) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”
Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 6-12. NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years. The campaign works to educate everyone about the small, but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said LPFPD4 Chief James Wascom. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
The LPFPD4 is hosting a series of public outreach events during Fire Week in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, including visits with LPFPD4 fire apparatus and smoke trailer to Southside Elementary, Judson Baptist Church Daycare, Three Steps Daycare, Kids-N-Motion, Southfork Elementary, Agape Baptist Church, and Faith Crossing UMC 5K Run.
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 NFPA and the LPFPD4 are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location. To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in District 4, please contact the LPFPD4 at 225-664-7101.