Escape theme of fire prevention lessons

Spreading the message of fire safety, El Campo volunteer firefighters will be traveling to local schools next week in observance of National Fire Prevention Week.

The Oct. 7-13 effort focuses this year on the theme: "Practice Your Escape Plan" and show students how to design and practice routes to get out of their homes safely in the event of a fire.

Less than a quarter of households have a home fire escape plan, according to national statistics, and volunteers are hoping to boost participation numbers here.

The group will visit Faith Lutheran Preschool and Northside Elementary Monday then Methodist and First Lutheran pre-schools along with Hutchins Elementary on Tuesday.

Wednesday volunteers will travel to Presbyterian Preschool and Myatt Elementary while Thursday's efforts will be at St. Philip Catholic School and Head Start.

Are you prepared for a fire? Although it's difficult to prepare for the unexpected, reviewing the information below and taking action based on it to plan for a fire is strongly recommended.

Tips for being safe include:

• Installing working smoke alarms on every level; and inside each bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.

• Developing a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.

• Making sure your plan allows for any specific needs in your household. If everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.

• Practicing your plan, at least twice a year.

If a smoke alarm sounds - get out.

If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Don't take time to pick up belongings; just get out and help others get out. Move fast but stay calm.