The IAFF is encouraging affiliates to participate in the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Prevention week October 7-13 by reviewing their own safety policies and getting important messages out to the public.
This year’s theme is “Have 2 Ways Out!” focusing on the importance of an escape plan.
Because fire can occur anywhere in the home, NFPA recommends families have two escape routes, mapped out and rehearsed by every member of the household. In 2010 statistic U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.
In another important statistic, the association estimates that 71,875 fire fighter injuries occurred in the line of duty in 2010. Additionally, about 32,675 or two-fifths (45.4 percent) of the all fire fighter injuries occurred during fire ground operations. Additionally, 31 of the 61 fire fighter line-of-duty deaths (49 percent) occurred on the fire ground, a total that is consistent over the past 10 years.
NFPA has developed a web site for fire departments to use as a resource for planning activities for Fire Prevention Week. It includes a planning guide and materials.
NFPA launched the Fire Prevention Week campaign 90 years ago, making it the longest-running public health and safety observance on record.