Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the 2012 Fire Prevention Week theme as "Have Two Ways Out!" to encourage families across the country to prioritize fire escape planning and practice. From October 7-13, 2012, NFPA blazes the trail for home fire safety and leads the campaign to have a home fire escape plan that prepares families to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. If one exit is blocked by smoke, it's imperative to plan for another escape outlet.

"We are excited for this year's theme because it is simple and to the point—always plan for two ways out of your home," says Jim Shannon, president of NFPA. "You never know which direction a fire will come from, and being prepared can save the lives of you and your loved ones."

To coincide with this year's Fire Prevention Week theme, NFPA gives practical fire safety tips to families:

• Make a map of your home; mark a door and window that can be used to get out of every room.
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home.
• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan.
• Practice your escape plan twice a year.

For more information on fire safety and fire prevention week, visit http://www.fpw.org

Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week website, http://www.firepreventionweek.org ©2012 NFPA, with permission.