HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell has proclaimed Oct. 7-13 to be Fire Prevention Week in Pennsylvania.
“One of the most critical things families can do is to plan and practice ways to escape their homes if fire breaks out,” said Governor Rendell. “More than 3,000 people were killed in home fires across the United States in 2005 and if individual families repeatedly rehearse how to get out of their homes when a fire starts, more lives will certainly be saved.”
During this week, which carries the theme, “It’s Fire Prevention Week – Practice Your Escape Plan,” residents, schools, businesses and civic organizations will be encouraged to participate in fire prevention activities
that focus on developing and practicing fire escape plans and helps people make sure their homes, workplaces and schools are equipped with smoke detectors and fire suppression systems.
“When a fire sparks, sometimes there are only seconds to escape, but there’s no question that having a plan in place that has been practiced saves precious time and makes survival more likely,” said State Fire Commissioner Edward A. Mann. “We hope the week will prompt folks to plan and practice their escape.”
The Office of the State Fire Commissioner offers these tips for protection and escape during a fire:
• Install working smoke alarms on every level, especially inside each bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.
• Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.
• Make sure your plan allows for any specific needs in your household. If everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.
• Practice your plan at least twice a year.
• If the smoke alarm sounds, go to the closest exit and, if there is smoke, look for the second escape. If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke. Don’t take time to pick up belongings, just get out and help others get out. Move fast but stay calm.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit the Office of the State Fire Commissioner Web site.
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The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out
more about Governor Rendell’s initiatives and to sign up for his weekly
newsletter, visit his Web site at: www.governor.state.pa.us.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A copy of the Governor’s proclamation follows:
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Governor’s Office
Proclamation
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
October 7 – 13, 2007
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is committed to ensuring the safety
and security of all those living in and visiting our state; and
WHEREAS, fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally,
and homes are the locations where people are at greatest risk from fire; and
WHEREAS, the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has
documented through its research that home fires killed 3,030 people in the
U.S. in 2005 – roughly eight people every day; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania’s first responders are dedicated to reducing the
occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and
protection education; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania’s residents are responsive to public education measures
and are able to take personal steps to increase their safety from fire; and
WHEREAS, residents who have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan are
more prepared and will therefore be more likely to survive a fire; and
WHEREAS, the 2007 Fire Prevention Week theme, “It’s Fire Prevention Week –
Practice Your Escape Plan” effectively serves to remind us all of the simple
actions we can take to stay safer from fire during Fire Prevention Week and
year-round.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania do hereby proclaim October 7-13, 2007 as Fire Prevention Week
throughout this state, and I urge all the people of Pennsylvania to heed the
important safety messages of Fire Prevention Week 2007, and to support the
many public safety activities and efforts of Pennsylvania’s fire and emergency
services.
GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg,
on this 20th day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand and seven,
and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-second.