National Fire Prevention Week Comes To The Mother Lode

Sonora, CA – The theme of this year´s National Fire Prevention Week is “Practice Your Escape Plan.”

Captain Todd McNeal of the Sonora Fire Department states that it is critically important that families establish and practice an escape plan in the event of a residential fire. Once a fire strikes it is far too late to stop and think about the best way to exit a house. Practice should take place when the entire family is at home and at nighttime when it may be a bit more difficult to exit a residence given the lack of light and potential smoke.

McNeal adds that batteries in smoke detectors should be replaced at least twice a year. The suggested dates are when Daylight Saving Time is initiated and terminated. 2007 Daylight Saving Time will end at 2am, Sunday, Nov. 4.

In addition McNeal says it is extremely important that the addesss number for all residences and businesses be well lighted and clearly visible to firefighters.

Finally in any kind of an emergency or disaster families should agree upon an easily accessable meeting place.

For additional infomation visit Sonora Fire Department or call (209) 532-7432.

Written by Bill Johnson