Fire Prevention Week encourages families to have escape plan

Mid-Missouri fire departments are using National Fire Prevention Week to encourage Missourians to have a safety plan in place. The awareness week is set to kick off this Sunday under the theme “Every second counts, plan two ways out.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nationwide, fire deaths have trended down since 1981, but the latest data shows Missouri ranks toward the top at 13.

On Friday, the Columbia Fire Department offered a few tips to make sure your family is ready in case your home catches fire.

First, in keeping with this year’s theme, have an escape plan that includes two ways out of your home and practice it twice each year. Also, teach your children to escape on their own in case you’re not home.

When you exit your home, close the door. The NFPA says “this may slow the spread of heat, smoke and fire.”

In any emergency situation, it’s also important to make sure your house number is clearly marked so crews can easily find you.

Lastly, once you’re outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

To kick off the safety week, the Columbia Fire Department and Columbia Professional Fire Fighters will have an event at the Columbia Mall on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the parking lot by Sears and Dillard’s.

While there will be some fun activities for children, including an arson dog demonstration at 2 p.m., 100 smoke detectors will also be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.

According to the NFPA, three out of five house fire deaths were caused by fires in homes with no smoke alarms or none that worked. Be sure to test your smoke detectors yearly and replace them when needed.