As Fire Prevention Week approaches, residents are encouraged to “Look. Listen. Learn.”

The Manchester Township Fire Department is holding an open house from 1 to 3 pm on Sunday October 14th.

submitted by Jeff Mann, Manchester Township Fire Department

Today’s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice.

The Manchester Township Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 90 years, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere™,” which works to educate the public about basic but essential ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire. 

Although people feel safest in their home, it is also the place people are at greatest risk of fire, with four out of five U.S. fire deaths occurring at home. That over-confidence contributes to a complacency toward home escape planning and practice.

People often make choices in fire situations that jeopardize their safety or even cost them their lives. We need to do a better job of teaching people about the potentially life-saving difference escape planning and practice can make and motivating them to action.

This year’s “Look. Listen. Learn.” campaign highlights three steps people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire:

• Look for places fire could start.
• Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm.
• Learn two ways out of every room. 

While NFPA and the Manchester Township Fire Department are focusing on home fires, these fire safety messages apply to virtually anywhere.

Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go. No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.

To celebrate Fire Prevention Week, the Manchester Township Fire Department will be hosting an open house on Sunday, October 14 from 1 to 3 pm to promote “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere™.”  Through educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of situational awareness. There will also be equipment displays and kids young and old will be able to spray a working fire hose. The Manchester Township Fire Department is located at 275 South Macomb Street.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.