Fire Prevention Week contest
This year’s theme, ‘Have Two Ways Out,’ focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.
“Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize,” said Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. “Having a tried and true escape plan with two ways out is essential to ensuring your family’s safety should fire break out in your home.”
In order to spread this safety message, HCDFRS is inviting children ages 5-12 years old to participate in a contest to draw their family’s escape plan.
“This contest gives the whole family an opportunity to get together and discuss their escape plan,” said Howard County Fire/EMS Chief William Goddard. “In 2010, one home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds. It is critical that everyone in the family learns the importance of fire prevention.”
A video on the escape plan contest can be seen on on Youtube.
Children can drop their contest drawing off at their local Howard County station or submit it online before Nov. 10, 2012. HCDFRS recommends the following tips for planning your family’s escape:
• Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.
• Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.
• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home.
• Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or during daylight savings time.
HCDFRS also encourages citizens to stop by their local stations during Fire Prevention Week for upcoming open houses and other activities. For open house dates and additional contest information visit the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services website.
