Escape planning and practice is the focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7 through Oct. 13.
Continuing its goal to save lives with safety-first programs, Missouri City’s Fire & Rescue Services is “proud to partner with the National Fire Protection Association to remind residents that fires are unpredictable and move faster than most people realize,” said Fire Chief Russell Sander. “Creating and practicing a plan that includes two escape routes is essential to ensuring your family’s survival should a blaze break out in your home.”
Nationwide, fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires in 2010; the blazes caused 2,640 deaths, 13,350 injuries and $6.9 billion in damage. In 2011, “Show Me City” firefighters responded to 78 fires involving buildings; and in that same year, there were two fire-related injuries and more than $2 million in fire-related damages. To help save citizens’ lives and protect area property, Missouri City’s Fire & Rescue Services provides a free “Home Fire Safety Survey” for residents. The program identifies potential risks that may exist in homes and offers citizens lifesaving solutions. There is no enforcement component of the program. To schedule a survey, residents can call 281-403-4300.
“We are committed to keeping our City safe,” Sander said, recommending residents follow these to secure their homes:
To learn more about “Fire Prevention Week: Have 2 Ways Out”, visit NFPA’s website at www.firepreventionweek.org.