Fire Prevention Week kicks off - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Fire Prevention Week kicks off

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ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) remind Georgians that Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13. The theme this year is, "Have Two Ways Out!"

This year, Commissioner Hudgens and fire personnel around the state will be spreading the word about the dangers of home fires and teaching Georgia residents how to plan and practice an escape from a home in case a fire occurs.

"Many times when we speak to residents who have experienced a fire in their home, they recall becoming confused and disoriented by the conditions and severity of the situation - but they realized they needed to get out fast," said Hudgens. "Sometimes there are only seconds to escape, but there's no question that having a plan in place that has been practiced saves precious time and makes survival more likely. We hope that Fire Prevention Week will prompt Georgians to plan and practice their escape."

Commissioner Hudgens offers the following tips to stay fire safe:

• Install working smoke alarms on every level; and inside and outside of each sleeping area.

• Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.

• Make sure your plan allows for any specific needs in your household. If everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.

• Practice using the plan, at least twice a year.

• Some studies have shown that some children and adults may not awaken to the sound of a smoke alarm; they may need help waking up.

• If the smoke alarm sounds: Go to your closest exit, and if you run into smoke, turn and use another way out. If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.

· Don't take time to pick up belongings; just get out and help others get out. Move fast but stay calm.

For more information on planned activities, please contact your local fire department or call Commissioner Hudgens' Public Safety Education Division at 404-657-0831.

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