Over the past week fire departments, cities, villages and schools across the country are celebrating Fire Prevention Week. This year’s slogan is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape, Plan and Practice Your Escape.”

This slogan is meant to encourage the importance of preparedness in case of a fire in your home. The Dunkirk Fire Department has been visiting elementary schools across the district this past week, delivering the same message, stressing the importance of fire safety and preparedness for a fire at home.

Key topics discussed at the schools are the importance of smoke detectors and what to do when you hear the smoke detector sounding, making an escape plan and practicing it, calling 911, stop drop and roll and other fire safety tips.

The Dunkirk Fire Department encourages you to practice fire safety everyday. Make it a habit to check your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries every six months. All members of the household are urged to create an escape plan from their residence in case of fire. The escape plan should consist of two designated escape routes from every room in the residence and a safe meeting place to assemble outside of the residence. Lastly, it is strongly recommended that all family members practice their escape plan by having a fire drill.

Parents and families are encouraged to visit the National Fire Prevention Awareness website, www.nfpa.org for additional information, interactive games and apps, lesson plans, videos and tip sheets regarding fire safety and escape plans.

The NFPA is a valuable resource for all members of the public providing information on a broad range of fire safety.

The Dunkirk Fire Department participates in a free smoke detector program through the American Red Cross in which Dunkirk residents can receive smoke detectors and have them installed by members of the fire department at no cost. Residents can contact the Dunkirk Fire Department for more information at 366-2577.

Gary Katta is captain in the Dunkirk Fire Department.