CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to
promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week October 6 – 12. The 2019 campaign is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” The NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years.

The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but essential actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

NFPA statistics show that in 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to 357,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day from 2012 to 2016. “These numbers show that home fires continue to pose a significant threat to safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “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.”

Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.

While NFPA and Clarksville Fire Rescue are focusing on home fires, these messages apply to virtually any location.

“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Captain Michael Rios. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously, and exit the building immediately.”

Clarksville Fire Rescue is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week. Activities will include:
– A visit to Byrns Darden Elementary on Monday, October 7
– A visit to the Montgomery County Public Library on Tuesday, October 8 at 9:30 am
– A visit to Ringold Elementary on Friday
– A visit to Lowes on Saturday

Clarksville Fire Rescue has a whole calendar of events planned for the month of October. This year the department has also partnered
with Domino’s Pizza, on October 10 and 11. Firefighters will be going along with a delivery driver on random orders. If your smoke alarms work, your pizza is free. If the alarms do not work, the firefighters will replace the batteries or install new smoke alarms.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Clarksville, please contact the Clarksville Fire Prevention office at (931)645-7462. For up to date emergency information, safety tips, and learn about the department, follow Clarksville Fire Rescue on social media. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.