Columbia Mall Fire Prevention Expo To Feature Live Burn

From Howard County Fire and Rescue Services: During Fire Prevention Week, October 8 – 14, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) will join the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind residents “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” encouraging residents to create and institute a family escape plan. In conjunction with the Mall in Columbia, HCDFRS will also hold their annual Fire Prevention Expo on Saturday, October 7, from 12pm – 2pm, located in the food court entrance parking lot.

“Seconds matter in fire and other emergencies,” said County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “I encourage and challenge all Howard County residents to take the time to create a home fire escape plan and practice it with their families.”

The event will feature hands-only CPR training, a Special Operations demonstration, smoke alarm safety information, activities for kids, pictures with Sparky, apparatus displays, and a dramatic live fire in an enclosed unit. This live burn will raise awareness about home fire safety, the importance of residential fire sprinklers, and illustrate how quickly a fire can spread.

“Working hand-in-hand with the Mall in Columbia allows the department to spread fire safety awareness in a larger setting,” said Fire Chief John S. Butler. “We hope to reach an extensive audience and encourage everyone in the community to have an emergency escape plan in place, and to also test their smoke alarms throughout the year.”

The NFPA recommends practicing home fire drills at least twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out. Parents should teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them. Closing doors will slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Once outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

For more information please visit www.Facebook.com/HCDFRS or www.Twitter.com/HCDFRS. Join the conversation using #FPW2017.

Click here to see this event on the Patch Calendar.

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