Champaign Fire Department Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week

This 100th anniversary of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week Campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.” works to teach how to escape a home fire quickly and safely.  The following tips may provide those few extra seconds to escape safely.

  • Know two ways out of every room
  • Plan and practice a home fire escape plan
  • Have working smoke alarms.

The materials found in homes today burn faster than ever.  Once the smoke alarms in a house sound, there may be as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from a fire.  Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice.

Remember, when the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out.  If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke.  If you are able, close doors behind you as you leave, to help slow the spread of smoke and fire, and help others exit.

The Champaign Fire Department will be at Market Place Mall (near the food court) on Sunday, October 9 and Friday, October 14 from noon to 5:00 p.m.  There will be fun and educational opportunities for families inside the mall both days.  Kids of all ages will enjoy the chance to “Touch-A-Truck” on Sunday or check out the Fire Department’s new safety trailer on Friday. Both of these fun events take place in the parking lot just outside the food court.