In 2006, 80% of all fire deaths were caused by home fires. Last year, roughly 2,600 people were killed by home fires and 12,500 were injured, according to NFPA reports.

“It is not enough just to have a home fire escape plan in place; it is vital that everyone living in the home practice the plan,” said Judy Comoletti, AVP of public education for NFPA. “You can have as little as two minutes to get out when fire strikes.”

Sparky the Fire Dog®, NFPA’s official mascot, is asking the public to practice their escape plan by participating in The Great American Fire DrillTM .

NFPA offers the following tips for home fire escape planning:

• Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.
• Make sure your plan allows for any specific needs in your household. If everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.
• Practice your plan, at least twice a year.
• Some studies have shown that some children and adults may not awaken to the sound of a smoke alarm; they may need help waking up.
• If the smoke alarm sounds: Go to your closest exit, and if there is smoke on your way out, turn and use your second way 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.

NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. "Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week Web site, www.firepreventionweek.org. ©2007 NFPA."

The Bernardsville Fire Company will be hosting our annual Open House on Sunday, October 14th. The day will start with a blood drive at 9:00am (see below for more information). Then from 12:00 - 3:00 we will begin fire truck rides, light refreshments, demonstrations and firehouse tours.

To donate blood you must weigh at least 120 pounds, be 17 or older and be in good health. You cannot be on antibiotics on the donation date and cannot have donated blood in the last 56 days.