TFD Kicks off Fire Prevention Week with Open House This Sunday

October 05, 2017

This weekend, the Tallahassee Fire Department (TFD), in partnership with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, is kicking off Fire Prevention Week with an Open House at Fire Station 16, located at 913 Easterwood Drive. On Sunday, Oct. 8, from 4-6 p.m., children of all ages can come and learn life-saving lessons about fire prevention and safety. The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, which falls on Sunday, Oct. 8, through Saturday, Oct. 14, is “Every Second Counts, Find Two Ways Out.”

“Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives turn tragic,” Fire Chief Jerome Gaines said. “Educational events, such as this Sunday’s Open House, help our fire fighters have one-on-one dialogue with residents about how to prevent, prepare and respond to a fire event.”

There are several activities planned for the Open House, including a meet-and-greet with everyone’s favorite Dalmatian, Sparky, fire station tours and demonstrations of fire extinguishers in action. This event is free and open to the public.

Fire Prevention Week falls on the second week of October each year. It’s spearheaded by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). According to a survey conducted by NFPA, nearly three-quarters of Americans have created an escape plan in case of a fire at home. However, less than half of those people have ever practiced their plans. It is recommended that families not only map out a detailed escape route, but practice that route, as well, at least twice a year.

Fire Prevention Week was implemented by President Woodrow Wilson in 1920 in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed 250 people and destroyed more than 2,000 acres of property.

For more information about the Tallahassee Fire Department, please visit Talgov.com/Fire. You can also stay up-to-date with the department by liking its Facebook page or following @COTFire on Twitter.