Annapolis, MD (10-12-2017) Mayor Michael Pantelides and Fire Chief David L. Stokes Sr. remind residents that in a fire, seconds can make the difference between life and death. This is the message Annapolis officials and firefighters hope to spread during National Fire Prevention Week, which takes place from October 8th through the 14th. The National Fire Prevention Association’s theme this year is “Every Second Counts-Plan 2 Ways Out.”
Families need to have a plan in place in case of a fire or any other type of emergency in the home. Below are some helpful tips from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) that can help when creating your escape plan.
· Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
· Practice your home fire drill twice a year.
· Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
· Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
· Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
As part of Fire Prevention Week, the Annapolis Fire Department in conjunction with the Office of Emergency Management staff conducted a fire prevention and weather preparedness poster contest with selected Annapolis area elementary schools participating. The contest was judged by Mayor Pantelides with certificates and prizes given to the winners. Here is a list of the winners, in no particular order, from each school:
West Annapolis
· Kalese Slade
· Erin Dalgliesh
· Victoria Santiago
Germantown
· Bodhi Minetola
· Bailey Harris
· Andrea Ponce
Tyler Heights
· Jazir Gonzalez-Saravia
· Jensy Garcia
· Elena Pinguil-Palma
St. Mary's
· Owen Odom
· Catherine Groszkowski
· Leah Ghadisha
St. Martin's
· Maggie Porciello
· Elena Fraser
· Brady Shilling
On Saturday, October 14, ‘Sparky the Fire Dog’ will be visiting Main Street between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for pictures and free fire prevention give-a-ways. Additionally on October 14th the fire department will be conducting its Smoke Alarm Outreach Program throughout the city. The Department has been systematically working its way through the city trying to reach every community and ensure that all residents have working smoke alarms. If firefighters have not reached your neighborhood and you are concerned about your smoke alarm not working, please contact the Annapolis Fire Department at 410-263-7975 and we will schedule a time to meet and perform safety checks and inspections of your smoke alarms.
The Annapolis Fire Department is always available to provide a fire safety presentation or program for your organization or community group. Fire Station based tours and programs are also available. For more information on the programs and activities in Annapolis, please contact Firefighter 1/c Inspector Kenneth White of the Annapolis Fire Department at 410-263-7975ext. 7809, or visit www.annapolis.gov. To learn more about escape plans and smoke alarms, visit NFPA’s website - www.firepreventionweek.org.