October 7th-13th is Fire Prevention Week

Practice Your Escape Plan

By Christine Bahr

Picture yourself helplessly standing by watching your home becoming fully engulfed in flames. And as you stand and watch the firefighters trying to control the raging fire, cries for additional help come from firefighters inside the inferno as it becomes increasingly out of control. Your personal property, along with years of memories is rapidly being destroyed with each passing second. How would you feel? If only you would have taken a few simple steps to prevent this tragedy.

Sadly, each day thousands of first responders, both paid and volunteer firefighters, battle residential and business fires that result in the loss of property, valuables and sometimes human life. October 7th-13th is Fire Prevention Week, with this year’s theme being “Practice Your Escape Plan.” Fire companies utilize this week to heighten the awareness of fire prevention as well as to educate the public on how to keep fires from starting.

The importance of fire prevention goes far beyond the loss of the life of a homeowner or resident of the structure. There is another potential loss of life that exists with the sound of each alarm—that of a firefighter. Firefighter deaths are caused by falls, entrapment, building collapse, falling debris, vehicle collision, overexertion or stress. Also firefighters face the prospect of heart attacks, burns, asphyxiation, or trauma.

Almost daily on the local news we hear of homes or businesses being destroyed by fires that could have been minimized if smoke detectors were in working order. “Often, early alert from smoke detectors is the only chance someone has to escape smoke and fire,” said Shawn O’Brien, deputy chief of Highland Volunteer Fire Department in McCandless.

Highland Volunteer Fire Department is an all volunteer organization that provides fire and rescue services to the residents and businesses of the Town of McCandless and surrounding area. In all weather conditions, on holidays or anytime of the day or night, these volunteers leave the safety of their homes and families to respond to emergency situations that threaten lives and property. Many of their volunteer firefighters are equipped with professional certifications such as vehicle rescue technicians, fire officers, and an arson investigator.

Highland Volunteer Fire Department prides itself on its efforts to educate the residents of McCandless, especially pre-school and elementary aged children about fire safety. “We have spent numerous years with the children at McKnight Elementary and St. John’s preschool teaching fire safety, and you can see the development of these children,” O’Brien said.

For fire safety tips, or fire prevention programs for your neighborhood or organization, you can contact the Highland Volunteer Fire Department at (412) 366-FIRE (3473), or your local fire department. Don’t risk your life or the life of your loved ones. Take the time to learn how to be prepared for any situation that may arise.

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