Fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally. The State Fire Marshal, North Dakota Forest Service, North Dakota Department of Emergency Services and local firefighting resources are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting the state. Thus, Governor Doug Burgum has declared October 9-15, 2022, as Fire Prevention Week in North Dakota. North Dakotans everywhere are encouraged to do their part in preventing fires, both in and outside the home.

This year, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) celebrates the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. This year’s campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape ^TM”, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires. It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different. Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out.

• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

There are a number of fire prevention methods you can practice outside the home as well. Avoid parking machinery and vehicles on or near dry vegetation. Ensure your equipment is properly maintained, and cross chains when hauling to prevent sparks. Farmers harvesting crop should be sure to keep their machines clean, mount fire extinguishers in and outside the cab, and know how to use them. Extinguish campfires and properly discard cigarettes. Teach your children about fire safety, and adhere to any burn bans or red flag warnings in effect.

Local jurisdictions – city, county, or tribal – may institute burn bans in accordance with the fire danger index, if conditions require. To learn more about your local Burn Ban restrictions and daily Fire Danger rating, visit https://www.ndresponse.gov/burn-ban-restrictions-fire-danger-maps. You can also consult with your local fire department or emergency management office for the most current information regarding restrictions in your area.

For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org. For more general information about wildfires and for interactive activities for children, please visit https://www.smokeybear.com/en.