Fire Prevention Week Oct. 7-13

The Red Oak Fire Department is preparing for the upcoming Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7 through 13. This year’s fire prevention message is: Look, listen, learn. Be aware - fire can happen anywhere.

The latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that if you have reported a fire in your home, you are more likely to die today than you were a few decades ago. This startling statistic is behind this year’s theme.

Through three simple calls to action, the theme identifies basic, but essential ways people can reduce their risk of fire and be prepared in the event of one.

• Look for places fire can start.

• Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm

• Learn two ways out of each room.

People take safety for granted and are not aware of the risk of fire. Paying attention to surroundings, looking for available exits in the event of a fire or other emergency, and taking the smoke alarm seriously if it sounds can make a potentially life-saving difference in a fire or other emergency situation.

While there has been significant progress in preventing home fires from happening, these statistics show that there’s still much more work to do when it comes to informing people how to protect themselves in the event of a fire, and why advance planning is so critically important. This year’s theme works to remind residents that fire can and do still happen, at home, as well as other locations, and there are basic, but vitally important steps people can take to remain safe.

Kicking off Fire Prevention Week will be an open house and fundraiser for the Red Oak Fire Department Oct. 7 from 8 to 11 a.m.

Additionally, supporters of the Red Oak Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association are reminded the time of year has come when the volunteers of the association are asking for help with contributions so that they may continue to equip and maintain one of the best departments in Southwest Iowa.

The generosity and cooperation of supporters have enabled them to continue serving the community with the most advanced fire protection, motor vehicle extraction, dive rescue, grain bin rescue, and advanced medical treatment techniques available. They assist in providing equipment to maintain rescue squads at the paramedic level. The continued support will help provide the community with the best patient care and life saving equipment.

For more information, callthe Red Oak Fire Department at 623-6504.