Special to Iredell Free News

RALEIGH — In recognition of the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, N.C. Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey is urging everyone to uphold this year’s campaign theme, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”

“The first step to home fire safety is creating a fire escape plan and practicing that plan so everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds,” Causey said. “Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance. Make sure your plan covers everyone in the home.”

The goal of Fire Prevention Week is to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from fire.

So far in 2022, there have been 100 fire deaths in North Carolina. Many of those fires happened in homes without the presence of a working smoke alarm.

Causey also shared these important home fire escape planning tips:

♦ Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

♦ Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.

♦ Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.

♦ Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.

♦ Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests.

♦ Practice at least once during the day and at night.

LEARN MORE
♦ For more information about fire safety and fire prevention, visit https://www.ncosfm.gov/injury-prevention/fire-prevention-education.

♦ For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.fpw.org.