The West Grove Fire Company is hitting the streets as it kicks off its annual program to educate school-age children with a month-long effort doing fire safety talks at the various day care centers, pre-schools and elementary schools. The annual effort is part of recognizing National Fire Prevention Week, this year from October 9-15.

This is the 100th year of national efforts promoting fire safety education with a week of focused activities as organized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) whose theme this year is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.™”!

As in previous years, the West Grove Fire Company volunteers and career staff will visit many places during the month of October to get out fire safety messages. WGFC visits to an educational facility will promote such topics as "Close when you Dose", "Feel the Door with the Back of your Hand - if door is hot don't go," "See Smoke Stay Low", and "Have a Family Meeting Place Outside." Also included are very popular ones: "Call 911 in an emergency," and "Stop Drop and Roll."

The West Grove Fire Company encourages everyone to embrace the 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme. “It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape," said Justin Gattorno, WGFC Fire Chief. "Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different. Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them!”

The WGFC recommends:
• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home, and, if possible, smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

The West Grove Fire Company will be visiting the following locations from now through the last week of October:
Growing Place; Nazarene Academy; New London Pre School; Willowdale Academy; West Grove Day Care; Assumption BVM School; Ducklings Day Care; YMCA Day Care; Penn London Elementary; Cornerstone Pre School; Avon Grove Charter School Early Learning Center.

Check with your local facility for their exact date and then ask your children what they learned that day. For more information about National Fire Prevention Week and for safety materials you can share with family, friends and co-workers, see: https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week/About Parents can talk about fire safety with their children, including activities for kids of all ages at: https://bit.ly/3Sqa44v