Cabarrus Today

The Concord Fire Department, in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is gearing up to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week from October 9 to 15, 2022. Lorraine Carli, Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA, emphasized the importance of having a home fire escape plan, stating, “Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds.”

Brad Hunt, Deputy Fire Marshal with Concord Fire Department, echoed this sentiment, urging residents to be proactive in their fire safety preparations. He emphasized the need for personalized escape plans, stating, “Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds.”

To assist residents in creating effective home fire escape plans, Concord FD shared key tips, such as ensuring the plan accommodates all family members, installing interconnected smoke alarms, and practicing fire drills at least twice a year. These measures are crucial in ensuring the safety of everyone in the household, particularly children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.

In light of Fire Prevention Week, the Concord Fire Department will be hosting an Open House at Fire Station 3 on October 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature educational activities, safety trainings, and demonstrations aimed at promoting fire safety awareness. Attendees can participate in hands-on learning experiences, including fire extinguisher training and real-world simulated scenarios.

During the Open House, Concord FD will conduct special demonstrations, including a high angle rescue and repelling demonstration at 11 a.m. and a vehicle extrication demonstration at 1 p.m. Additionally, there will be fun activities for children, such as the inflatable fire safety house and firefighting skill tests.

For those unable to attend the Open House, the Concord Fire Department offers the opportunity for schools, churches, or communities to request fire safety demonstrations and training sessions by contacting the department at 704-920-5517 or completing the Fire Prevention Program Request Form available online. This initiative aims to spread awareness and preparedness in fire safety practices within the community.