TRENTON – The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety (Division) Oct. 7 announced it will join the New Jersey Fire Prevention and Protection Association (NJFPPA) and local career and volunteer fire departments in community education efforts to raise awareness about fire safety during National Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 6-12, 2019.
According to a release, “National Fire Prevention Week serves as an important reminder for New Jersey residents to stay engaged and educated about fire safety,” stated Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who serves as commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). “Gov. Murphy and I urge you to take the opportunity to check your alarms and make and practice an escape plan to help keep you and your loved ones safe.”
National Fire Prevention Week also serves as the kick-off for the annual Scholastic Fire Safety Poster Contest, sponsored by the division and NJFPPA.
The contest invites K-12 students to submit artwork based on an annual fire safety theme. The winning artwork is included in a calendar, which is distributed statewide to advance fire safety awareness.
The division will also continue its year-long distribution of smoke alarms to senior citizens, people of limited financial means, and disabled veterans, in cooperation with local fire departments, as part of the WABC7 Operation 7: Save a Life program.
More than 300,000 alarms have been distributed throughout New Jersey over the past 20 years.
The New Jersey office of the American Red Cross also helps to distribute alarms during this period, and all year, through its National Home Fire Safety Campaign.
“National Fire Prevention Week is an excellent time for the fire service to remind people about the critical importance of having and practicing a home escape plan,” stated New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Director and State Fire Marshal Richard Mikutsky.
Mikutsky reminded the public of this year’s theme by offering the following home fire escape tips:
- Practice a home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in the home, and practice using different ways out
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case others aren’t able to help them.
- Make sure the house number is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
- Close doors behind when leaving – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Once outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the State. The division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as engaging the public on community risk reduction strategies, assisting in fire department preparedness and conducting firefighter training programs.
