It's Fire Prevention Week, and the Jefferson City Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year's campaign, "Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!"
The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe, fire officials said.
In 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires, according to NFPA statistics. These fires caused 2,630 deaths and 10,600 injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day between 2012-16.
From Jan 1 through Aug. 31, Jefferson City firefighters were dispatched to 60 calls related to a structure fire or smoke in a building, according to JCFD reports. That does not include automatic alarms or fire investigations.
"In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds," Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of Outreach and Advocacy, said in a news release. "Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out."
While the Jefferson City Fire Department is focusing on home fires, JCFD Division Chief Jason Turner said these messages apply to virtually any location.
"Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go," Turner said. "No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately."
JCFD is hosting a series of events in support of this year's campaign. On Tuesday and Wednesday, fire fighters will go to designated areas of the community to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors which are being furnished by Lowes Home Improvement Store.
Each year, the Fire Department also visits all the elementary schools with the fire safety trailer educating children on fire/safety measures in the home and what to do in an emergency situation.
JCFD is also offering fire station tours during Fire Prevention Week. Groups interested in a tour should call fire administration at 573-634-6401 to schedule a tour.