Fire Prevention Week begins Oct. 9

MT. PLEASANT — Sunday, Oct. 9 Mt. Pleasant Fire Department invites the community to enjoy a chili and soup luncheon to kick off Fire Prevention Week.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) celebrates the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week this year with a simple campaign slogan, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”

According to NFPA, today’s homes burn significantly faster than those of the past.

“You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds,” NFPA’s website warns.

“Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advanced planning,” the website says.

WWW.nfpa.org provides resources such as home escape plan grids and family action plans to help keep families safe in case of a fire.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department will serve chili, potato, ham and cheese soup, and grilled cheese sandwiches for a free will donation as they bring awareness of fire prevention to the community.

Proceeds will go toward new portable scene lighting.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com