BRANSON, Mo – The Branson Fire Department, along with firefighters from across the nation, will be educating and teaching residents, children and visitors the importance of fire safety during National Fire Prevention Week, starting this Sunday, October 7 through Saturday, October 13.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is “Look, Listen, & Learn. Fire Can Happen Anywhere!” which aims to educate the public about the basic but essential ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire. Statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that while residential home fires have steadily decreased over the past few decades, fire deaths across the nation are 10% higher than those reported in 1980.
“Locally we are thankful our community typically experiences a very low property fire loss each year with only six fire deaths in the fire departments 105-year history,” said Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin. “This kind of record is due to our partnership between the fire department and the community to reduce risk through fire safety education programs like National Fire Prevention Week. It’s important we continue this vital and life-saving service,” Chief Martin said.
This year’s “Look, Listen, Learn” campaign highlights three steps citizens can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire:
· Look for places fire could start
· Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm
· Learn 2 ways out of every room
Branson Firefighters will be out not just during National Fire Prevention Week, but during the entire month of October teaching citizens the importance of 9-1-1, smoke alarms, fire escape planning and common causes of fires. Some highlights from the schedule include:
Oct. 4 Cedar Ridge Kindergarten Assembly
Oct. 5-7 Firefighter Combat Challenge at Branson Landing
Oct. 10 Buchanan School Assemblies
Oct. 12 First Baptist and skyline Baptist Learning Centers
Oct. 17 Cedar Ridge School Assemblies
Oct. 31 Fire Station Open for Trick or Treaters
If you would like to learn more about fire safety, to schedule a fire station tour, or to schedule a firefighter to help you identify ways to reduce risk in your home or business, contact the Branson Fire Department by phone at 417-243-2790 or on its website, www.bransonmo.gov/fire or on Facebook under “BransonMO Fire Rescue.”