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Crime & Safety

Fire Prevention Week Focuses on Having Two Ways Out

Sunday, Oct. 7 through Saturday, Oct. 13 is Fire Prevention Week, and this year's theme is "Have 2 Ways Out."

Fire Prevention Week is underway, and this year's theme is "Have 2 Ways Out," according to the National Fire Protection Association.

"The reality is that when fire strikes, your home could be engulfed in smoke and flames in just a few minutes," according to the protection association's website.

Therefore, the associations says it is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds, and a back up plan.

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"What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? That's why having two ways out is such a key part of your plan," according to the association.

For fire prevention week, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a few tips to help families plan and prepare for a potential fire.

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Though most families discuss fires with each other, almost 3/4 of Americans have an escape plan, but less than half have actually practiced it, according to data from the NFPA.

Parents should have kids go in each room in your home and mark the two ways out with a sticky note. Then, as a family, choose a place outside that you can meet if there is a fire. And lastly, parents should test every smoke alarm in the home to make sure the batteries are working.

Here is a Fire Prevention Quiz to take as a family to learn more about the importance of having a fire escape plan. Learn more on the National Fire Protection Association website here.

To learn more locally, Fire Marshal Frank Fenton suggests visiting an open house at one of the fire stations in Northampton. 

"In addition to our open house Northampton firefighters will be out on the streets, in our schools, and at other venues delivering the fire prevention message during October," Fenton added.

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