BUFFALO, N.Y. — October 6 through October 12 is National Fire Prevention Week. Fire companies around Western New York are using this week as an opportunity to remind people about fire safety and prevention.
Buffalo Fire Lieutenant Shawn Duffy of Engine 31 on Baily Avenue said that best practices include making a plan, making sure you have working smoke alarms and that everyone understands what that smoke alarm sounds like in case of emergency.
Buffalo Fire Captain Marvin Spates said that it is important for families, especially those with young kids, to make sure they practice regularly what they will do in case of emergency. Spates said, "We call it EDITH, exit drills in the home. So teach everyone that when they hear that alarm, that you are supposed to respond to it. We have a tendency not to respond to it, but get everyone on that alert so when they hear it, they can get out of the house."
They also stressed the importance that when there is a fire, you need to get out and stay out. Spates said, "Nothing is more important than a life."
Another catch phrase that they are teaching people is, "close before you dose," urging people to close the doors to their bedrooms before going to be each night. They say that it will take the fire longer to spread and give you more time to get out of the house safely.
For more resources on fire prevention week in the City of Buffalo Click Here