[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSWwEFnYqqE&feature=youtu.be]
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week 2019, which runs from Oct. 6-12, Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey is urging everyone to uphold this year’s campaign theme, “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape.”
“Once a fire alarm goes off in your home, you may have less than two minutes to safely escape,” said Commissioner Causey. “That’s why I’m asking all families to come up with a fire escape plan – practice it – and learn two ways out of your home.”
So far in 2019, there have been 87 fire deaths in North Carolina. The majority of those fires happened in homes without the presence of a working smoke alarm. 135 people lost their lives because of fire in 2018 – the deadliest year on record for fire deaths in North Carolina.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires in 2017. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day during 2012 to 2016.
The goal of Fire Prevention Week is to educate people about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe and how to escape safely in the event of a fire.
On Saturday, October 12, 2019, State Fire Marshal Mike Causey is organizing a statewide fire drill. At 1:00 p.m., fire sirens will sound across the state to remind people to plan and practice their fire escape route.
“In the event of a fire, just a matter of seconds can mean the difference between life and death,” said Commissioner Causey. “Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. It’s for everyone. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly. During Fire Prevention Week, we want to educate as many people as possible to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.”
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit http://www.fpw.org.