October 3, 1998

Families urged to plan great escape

       Plan the great escape with your family this weekend.  As part of Fire Prevention Week, Sunday through Oct. 10, fire departments nationwide are urging families to plan and practice exiting their home in case of fire.  Kids always practice tire drills at school, but never practice at home said Eric Brown, fire marshal for the White River Township Fire Department.  We spend 75 percent of our time at home.”  Brown said the majority of fire deaths occur at night. People can’t smell smoke while they’re sleeping so they depend on smoke alarms, he said. But waking up suddenly to a loud noise can cause panic.  Planning and practicing are ways to reduce panic, Brown said.  “It’s important to plan two ways out of every room,” Brown said.  Fire could block one escape route.  Brown hopes every family will join together at 6 p.m. Wednesday to practice a great escape.  The fire department offers free mapping grids at Station 52, 398 Meridian Parke Drive. The grid includes an official entry form for the nationwide National Fire Protection Association contest.  To enter the contest, residents should bring a copy of their escape plans to White River Township Fire Department Headquarters, 1086 S. Runyon Road, Greenwood.  Brown will evaluate the plans and submit one to the association for the national contest. One randomly selected winner will receive a trip for four to Walt Disney World. The contest is sponsored by KIDDE Safety, a manufacturer of fire safety equipment.   White River Fire Township Department will also hold an open house from 4 to 8p.m. Wednesday at Station 52.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)

 

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