Information courtesy of the Shrewsbury Fire Department

Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7-13, gives the fire service the opportunity to reach out to the community and empower its citizens to prevent home fires and protect their families.

This year’s theme, “Have 2 Ways Out!” reminds families how important it is to have two ways out of every building—especially our homes, where most fires take place.

No one thinks fire will happen to them, yet according to data from the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS), there were 29,110 fires reported in Massachusetts during 2011 causing 54 civilian deaths, 2 fire service deaths, 323 civilian injuries, 422 fire service injuries and an estimated $217 million in property damage. That’s why it is so important to practice good fire safety by staying in the kitchen when cooking, not overloaded electrical outlets and taking care of our heating systems. It’s also important to be prepared by installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which give you more time to escape. Please make and practice a home escape plan, so everyone will know what to do in an emergency.

• U. S. Fire Administration Focus On Fire Safety has good information for Fire Prevention Week.
• NFPA's Focus on Fire Prevention Week provides excellent information for parents, children, teachers, and firefighters to teach fire safety and prevention.
• SAFE Kids USA® also offers resources on fire prevention.

In Shrewsbury, the fire department is hosting an open house on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at fire headquarters on Church Street.

The event concentrates on explaining fire safety practices to families, who are able to participate in fire safety activities.

 There will also be:

• A live demonstration of the Fire Deptment's “Jaws of Life” automobile crash rescue tools
• Antique fire apparatus and equipment from the 1800s on display
• Free coloring books, stickers and fire helmets for kids
• Free Papa Gino’s pizza

For more information contact the Shrewsbury Fire Department at 508- 841-8522.