Philly Fire Department Holding Citywide 'Fire Drill' Thursday Night

PHILADELPHIA — This week is Fire Prevention Week, and with that in mind, the Philadelphia Fire Department is urging residents to participate in a citywide "fire drill" Thursday.

At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, the fire department's apparatus sirens will sound throughout the city to indicate the start of the citywide fire drill.

All Philadelphians are urged to participate by testing their home escape plans.

Escape plans should include:

• knowing two ways out of each room;
• the ability to get outside within two minutes;
• and have a family meeting place away from the house.

Additionally, homes should have smoke alarms installed on every level, including the basement.

Residents in need of need smoke alarms should contact 311.

The Fire Department will install smoke detectors for free.