Fire departments across the area are spreading safety education throughout the month of October. National Fire Prevention month focus is this year is: “Fire Won’t wait. Plan Your Escape.” The Rome Fire Department and the Lee Center Volunteer Fire Department (Stokes) visited elementary schools spreading the word of fire safety.
The Rome Fire Department has been hosting tours of the Central Fire Station on Black River Boulevard for local school classes. City firefighters have also been going into the schools to teach fire safety lessons.
“There is a program through the American Red Cross that will help us make sure every school-aged child in the Rome City School District has a working smoke alarm in their home,” said Lt. Matwijic from the Rome Fire Department.
Stokes Fire Safety featured a puppet shows, skits, lunch with firefighters and fire trucks from the Lee Center Volunteer Fire Department.
Fire escape planning tips:
- 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.
- If possible, know at least two ways out of every room. 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.
Resources:
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Escape-planning
