The Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years—to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week 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.
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 during 2012 to 2016.
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 the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District 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 Fire Marshal Leslie Adent. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
The Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District held their annual Open House on September 28th at Fire Station #3 between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”. This year the District had over 850 citizens attend during our four (4) hour event. Both adults and children had an opportunity to learn about Fire Safety, smoke alarms, injury prevention and much more educational information. Additionally, there was Fire, Haz-mat, K-9 Search and Rescue, EMS demonstrations and various types of emergency apparatus on display and much more. Many outside agencies such as the Manatee County K-9 Search and Rescue Team, Florida Division of Forestry, Manatee County Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Unit, Florida Highway Patrol, Manatee County EMS (Raptor 1 Bus Ambulance, Community Paramedicine), United States Coast Guard, Westcoast Southern Ambulance Service and the Manatee County Emergency Communication Center assisted us in this years Open House. 2019’s annual Open House was once again a huge success due to our participating agencies and we truly appreciate their participation.