Guest Editorial: Be sure to have a plan in case of a home fire

By Matthew Wyszczelski
Hamtramck Fire Chief
October is Fire Prevention Month and to kick things off the National Fire Protection Agency and the Hamtramck Fire Department will be teaming up to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week from October 9 to October 15.
This year’s theme is: “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape.”
Modern homes burn faster than ever, according to the NFPA, you may have as little as two minutes from the time the smoke alarm sounds to escape from a house fire. Therefore, it is important to have working smoke alarms and have an escapes plan.
It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different.
Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them!
The Hamtramck Fire Department recommends these key home fire escape planning tips:
• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

To kick off Fire Prevention week, The Hamtramck Fire Department is hosting an Open house on Sunday October 9 from noon until 3 p.m. at the fire station located at 2625 Caniff.
There will be activities, refreshments, and demonstrations of firefighting equipment.
Posted Oct. 8, 2022