Sturgeon County is making sure residents are prepared for fires this week.
The county kicked off its annual Fire Prevention Week on Sunday (Oct. 9) with this year's theme being "Fire won't wait. Plan your escape."
They have partnered with the National Fire Protection Association to help inform people about the actions they can take to keep themselves and their families safe from house fires.
Pat Mahoney, manager of protective services in Sturgeon, stressed that making the right decision quickly can save lives.
“You may have as little as two minutes from the time the smoke alarm sounds to safely escape a home fire," said Mahoney. "You can increase your chances of getting out safely if you plan and practice your escape before an emergency occurs."
Sturgeon county has provided the following tips for making a fire safety plan for your home:
- 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 that 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 at 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.
This is the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week.