# 4966
As a paramedic, one of my least-favorite things to deal with were severe burns. Particularly when it involved kids.
And during the opening weeks of fall, we seemed to see an inordinate number of house fires – probably because people were firing up old, and poorly maintained furnaces and relying on older space heaters.
So it is appropriate that this first week of October is National Fire Prevention Week.
You can learn more about how to prevent fires at the NFPA website, excerpts of which I’ve reproduced below.
Fire Prevention Week 2010
“Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With!” is NFPA’s official theme for Fire Prevention Week (FPW), October 3-9. If you’re wondering why NFPA, the official sponsor of FPW for nearly 90 years, is focusing on smoke alarms when most homes already have at least one, you've come to the right place!
This year's campaign is designed to educate people about the importance of smoke alarms and encourages everyone to take the steps necessary to update and maintain their home smoke alarm protection.
Fire service: All the materials you need for your campaign
Teachers: Lesson plans and letters to send home
Kids and families: Learning about fire safety can be fun
The NFPA also has 5 short (1 minute or less) fire safety videos on their site, or available on YouTube.
You can find additional information at FEMA’s US Fire Administration Website.
USFA Fire Prevention and Safety Campaigns
In partnership with other Federal agencies, the fire and emergency response community, the media and safety interest groups, USFA develops and delivers fire prevention and safety education programs to reduce the loss of life from fire-related hazards, particularly among the very young and older adults.
The campaigns below encourage Americans to practice fire safety and to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of fire. In addition, they provide dedicated support to public fire educators and the media to facilitate community outreach to targeted audiences.
Install. Inspect. Protect.
This campaign urges residents to install smoke alarms in their homes and inspect and maintain them on a regular basis. Working smoke alarms and sprinklers save lives.
Visit Install. Inspect. Protect. »
Arson Awareness Week
An annual campaign to focus public attention on various facets of the arson problem. The 2010 campaign theme focuses on community arson prevention.
Fire Safety for Babies and Toddlers
This campaign urges parents and caregivers to prepare by installing and maintaining working smoke alarms, safely storing lighters and matches out of children's reach and sight, and practicing a fire escape plan with small children.
Visit Fire Safety for Babies and Toddlers »
Fire Safety for People 50-Plus
A campaign to encourage Americans ages 50 and older to practice safe smoking, safe cooking, and safe heating in their homes.
Visit Fire Safety for People 50-Plus »
Smoking & Home Fires
This campaign helps educate smokers and those who live with smokers about ways to prevent home fire deaths caused by smoking materials.
Fire Safety PSA's
