National Fire Prevention Week
October 7-13, 2007
National Fire Prevention Week is observed each October to mark the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and raise awareness of fire safety. The theme of Fire Prevention Week 2007 is emergency preparedness: “Practice Your Escape Plan.”
According to an NFPA poll conducted by Harris Interactive, one out of four Americans (66 percent) has an escape plan in case of fire. But most have not practiced it (34 percent) and 75 percent believe they have 10 minutes or less until a fire turns deadly. This is not true. Fire spreads even more rapidly throughout a home or apartment, allowing occupants only seconds to escape. It’s not enough to have a home fire escape plan; you need to practice it and make sure everyone knows exactly what to do.
Great American Fire Drill
On Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m., Cary citizens are encouraged to join in the “Great American Fire Drill.” The goal of the fire drill is to encourage citizens to practice their home fire escape plans that night.
2007 Celebration: Oct. 5-7 at Cary Towne Center Mall
Join the Cary Fire Department in celebrating National Fire Prevention Week at Cary Towne Center Mall. There will be activities for the whole family throughout the weekend, from Friday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 7.
On Friday and Saturday, there will be an information table set up at Center Court inside the mall. On Saturday, the Fire Department will host an outdoor Safety Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including a children’s fire safety house, a public education trailer, and representatives from the Cary Police Department’s CAP Team, Cary EMS, and Wake County Safe Kids Coalition. Then on Sunday, watch as Cary emergency personnel present a special rescue-themed program, including vehicle extrication and aerial rescue.
Don’t miss the Kid's Combat Challenge!
On Saturday, children ages 4-12 can participate in a safety obstacle course featuring a stop, drop and roll station, “crawl low in smoke” simulation, hose carry, dummy drag and extinguishing a miniature house fire. Winners in each age group will receive trophies and “Survivor” T-shirts will be given to all participants who compete and complete the course.
During the week of October 8, Cary Fire Department will also visit several Cary elementary schools to talk to students about fire prevention and safety.
Contact
For more information about Fire Prevention Week, contact:
Kathy Ellis
Fire Education Specialist/Senior Code Official III
100 North Academy St.
Cary N.C. 27511
(919) 460-4958
kathy.ellis@townofcary.org
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