Fire Prevention Week Safety Tips and Open House Locations

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department Urges Residents to 

“Have Two Ways Out!”
During Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

 October 7, 2012 – If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety?  According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of Americans households who made and estimate they thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often less. 

That’s why the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, to urge residents to “Have Two Ways Out!” This year’s theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

In 2010, 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.

One home structure was reported every 85 seconds in 2010.  Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize.  Having a tried and true escape plan with two ways is essential to ensuring your family’s safety should fire break out in your home.

The men and women, career, civilian and volunteer, of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department 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 whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.

Several Fire Departments will be hosting activities during Fire Prevention Week to promote “Have Two Ways Out!” Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, as well as the power of prevention.

Bowie Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Fire/EMS Station 839

15454 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD
Fire Prevention Day, October 13, 2012, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

This annual event is held each October to educate the Community of Bowie in fire prevention and home safety. This year will be the 28th annual program. Attendance has grown over the years, with attendance in years past being in the thousands of visitors. Bowie's Fire Prevention Day is one of the biggest in the state, and the 2008 event was honored as one of the best in the state by the Maryland State Firemen's Association.

Come join the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad as we continue to make Bowie a safer place to live. Help us help you by attending a full day of fun, sights and sounds. See live demonstrations and displays of fire trucks, as well as other public safety vehicles/equipment. This year, we will follow the theme established by the National Fire Protection Association for Fire Prevention Week, "Have 2 Ways Out."

Events include:

11:00 - Opening Ceremonies
11:30 - Fire Department Operations Demonstration
12:00 - First Hut Burning Demonstration
12:15 - Residential Sprinkler Demonstration
12:30 - Fire Extinguisher Demonstration
1:00 - Helicopter Static Demonstration
1:15 - Second Hut Burning Demonstration
1:30 - "What Fills a Firefighter's Boots?" Presentation
1:45 - "When the Ambulance Comes" Presentation
2:00 - Auto Accident and Extrication Demonstration
2:15 - Auto Fire Demonstration
2:30 - Third Hut Burning Demonstration
3:00 - Fire Extinguisher Demonstration
3:20 - Fourth Hut Burning Demonstration
3:40 - Residential Sprinkler Demonstration

Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department, Fire/EMS Station 801

6200 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD
Fire Safety Open House – Saturday, October 13, 2012, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

We will have fire safety demonstrations, hands on educational experiences, raffles, food, music and fun!

For additional information: 301-883-7701 www.hvfd.com

Branchville Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad, Fire/EMS Station 811

4905 Branchville Road,
College Park, MD
Open House, Saturday, October 13, 2012, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

For additional information: 301-883-7711 www.bvfco11.com

Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, Fire/EMS Station 810

7411 Cherry Lane, Laurel, MD
Open House – Sunday, October 14, 2012, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

For additional information: 301-883-7710 www.laurelvfd.org

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in (Your Town/City), please contact the (Your Town/City) Fire Department at (provide your phone number or appropriate contact information). To learn more about “Have Two Ways Out!” visit NFPA’s Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org.

Below is a Presidential Proclamation issued by the 

President of the United States declaring 

Fire Prevention Week 2012.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

October 05, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- Fire Prevention Week, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Every year, fires in and around homes nationwide put thousands of Americans in harm's way. From the loss of a home to the tragic passing of a loved one, the devastation these disasters leave in their wake is heartbreaking. During Fire Prevention Week, we resolve to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from fires, and we honor the courageous first responders who put their lives at risk to keep us safe.

All of us can take meaningful steps to reduce the risk of fire in our homes. I encourage all Americans to install and maintain smoke alarms, test smoke alarm batteries regularly, and follow safe practices in the kitchen and when using electrical appliances. Families should also develop and practice a fire escape plan that includes at least two ways out of every room. To learn more about these and other simple precautions against home fires, visitwww.Ready.gov.

This year, wildfires caused profound damage to communities across our country, and our Nation mourned the loss of life that followed. These events reminded us that wildfires are often unpredictable, which is why it is essential for people in areas at risk to practice proper fire prevention and preparedness. Those who live in regions prone to wildfire can take action by clearing flammable vegetation, preparing an emergency supply kit, and sharing evacuation routes and a communications plan with their family in case of emergency. Individuals who see a wildfire should report it by calling 911, and if advised, evacuate immediately.

As we mark Fire Prevention Week by recommitting to preparedness, we also extend our thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by fires this year -- including the brave first responders who fought them. Summoning courage in crisis and bringing discipline and professionalism to the job each and every day, America's firefighters are heroes in every sense. This week, we express our deepest gratitude for their service to our communities and our Nation, and we pay solemn tribute to the men and women who gave their lives to protect our own. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and in their memory, let us rededicate ourselves to preventing tragedy before it strikes.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 7 through October 13, 2012, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 7, 2012, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff on all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. I call on all Americans to participate in this observance with appropriate programs and activities and by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA