Edhat Staff
Source: County of Santa Barbara
Today marks the start of National Fire Prevention Week, a time to reflect on our nation’s past fire history, remembering the “Great Chicago Fire of 1871” and how out of that tragedy, a national interest in fire prevention and safety emerged. 
The 2017 National Fire Prevention Week theme, “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important and reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here are this year’s key campaign messages:
- Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
- Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
- Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department encourages everyone to participate in fire prevention activities at home, work, school and all locations, making this Fire Prevention Week the beginning of a year-long effort to improve fire safety.
Register for Santa Barbara County Aware & Prepare emergency alerts. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you. Go to www.AwareandPrepare.org.
