Fire Drill Day

Gov. Blunt and State Fire Marshal Promote Fire Drill Day in Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, October 7, 2007-In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, Gov. Matt Blunt and State Fire Marshal Randy Cole encourages Missourians to set aside a few minutes on Tuesday, October 9th to practice a fire drill. The theme for Fire Prevention Week this year is "Practice Your Escape Plan."

"It is important for our officials, citizens, communities and schools to know how to properly react if faced with a fire emergency," Blunt said. "Fire Prevention Week is a good time for families to sit down and develop a plan to deal with emergency situations large or small."

The Office of Administration conducts annual fire drills in state buildings ensuring state employees and those doing business with our offices understand escape routes. Missouri office buildings also have legible and clear escape plans posted throughout their facilities.

"We know first hand when it comes to fires, seconds and minutes can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. Safely evacuating when faced with an actual threat of fire only happens when everyone knows how to quickly and calmly react to include periodically practicing fire drills," Cole said.

According to the latest National Fire Protection Association statistics, only 23 percent of households have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan. The majority of residential fires occur when people are sleeping which emphasizes the importance of working smoke alarms. The installation of residential sprinkler systems is being considered by many homeowners, thereby, enhancing the level of fire protection. Sprinkler systems are designed to extinguish the fire during its early stages.

One way Missourians can prepare for emergencies, in their own homes is with the state's "Ready in 3" program. "Ready in 3" provides Missourians with guidelines and easy to follow instructions to develop personalized emergency plans. Just a small amount of planning makes a huge difference in case of an emergency. To learn more about the "Ready in 3" program visit http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/ or call (573) 526-4768.

Fire Drill/Escape Plan Tips:

*Develop a fire escape plan which identifies two ways out of each room or work area.
*At home, install smoke alarms on every level, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
*Establish a meeting place outside.
*If smoke alarms or fire alarm systems activate, immediately proceed to the nearest exit, do not take time to retrieve personal belongings. If smoke is encountered, proceed to the secondary exit. If you must exit through smoke get low and under the smoke.
*Periodically practice your escape plan or conduct a fire drill.
*Never go back inside.

*News Release*
*Public Safety*	Matt Blunt, Governor	Mark James, Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact: Terri Durdaller Communication Director Work:(573) 751-4819 Cell: (573) 301-2023
Gov. Blunt and State Fire Marshal Promote Fire Drill Day in Missouri JEFFERSON CITY, October 7, 2007-In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, Gov. Matt Blunt and State Fire Marshal Randy Cole encourages Missourians to set aside a few minutes on Tuesday, October 9th to practice a fire drill. The theme for Fire Prevention Week this year is "Practice Your Escape Plan." "It is important for our officials, citizens, communities and schools to know how to properly react if faced with a fire emergency," Blunt said. "Fire Prevention Week is a good time for families to sit down and develop a plan to deal with emergency situations large or small." The Office of Administration conducts annual fire drills in state buildings ensuring state employees and those doing business with our offices understand escape routes. Missouri office buildings also have legible and clear escape plans posted throughout their facilities. "We know first hand when it comes to fires, seconds and minutes can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. Safely evacuating when faced with an actual threat of fire only happens when everyone knows how to quickly and calmly react to include periodically practicing fire drills," Cole said. According to the latest National Fire Protection Association statistics, only 23 percent of households have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan. The majority of residential fires occur when people are sleeping which emphasizes the importance of working smoke alarms. The installation of residential sprinkler systems is being considered by many homeowners, thereby, enhancing the level of fire protection. Sprinkler systems are designed to extinguish the fire during its early stages. One way Missourians can prepare for emergencies, in their own homes is with the state's "Ready in 3" program. "Ready in 3" provides Missourians with guidelines and easy to follow instructions to develop personalized emergency plans. Just a small amount of planning makes a huge difference in case of an emergency. To learn more about the "Ready in 3" program visit http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/ or call (573) 526-4768. Fire Drill/Escape Plan Tips: Develop a fire escape plan which identifies two ways out of each room or work area. At home, install smoke alarms on every level, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area. Establish a meeting place outside. If smoke alarms or fire alarm systems activate, immediately proceed to the nearest exit, do not take time to retrieve personal belongings. If smoke is encountered, proceed to the secondary exit. If you must exit through smoke get low and under the smoke. Periodically practice your escape plan or conduct a fire drill. Never go back inside.
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