Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week TM (FPW), Oct. 9-15. This year’s FPW campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape TM,” aims to educate everyone about simple but impactful measures they can take to decrease the loss of life during home fires.
“You may have two minutes or less to escape a house fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out of your home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and prior planning,” said Director Daryl A. George.
The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services encourages all residents to embrace the 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme. “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,” said St. Thomas Fire Chief David Hodge. “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 that someone will help them.”
Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services shares these key home fire escape planning tips:
Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your household members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Know at least two ways out of every room if possible. Make sure doors and windows can be accessible and clear of any obstructions.
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 that when one sounds, they all sound.
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.
These are the scheduled events during Fire Prevention Week 2022:
Sunday, Oct. 9: Church Services
St. Croix: Victorious Believers Ministries at 8 a.m.
St. Thomas: Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 8:30 a.m.
Monday, Oct. 10: Wellness Walk
St. Croix: Altona Lagoon at 5:30 a.m.
St. John: National Park Visitor Center at 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 11: St. John Jamboree
Cruz Bay Tennis Court Parking Lot at 9 a.m.
St. Croix Station Visits
St. Thomas School Reading Activities
Wednesday, Oct. 12: St. Croix Parade of Units
Richmond Fire Station at 6:30 p.m.
St. Croix Station Visits
St. Thomas and St. John Open House
Thursday, Oct. 13: St. John Open House
St. Thomas Open House and School Reading Activities
St. Thomas Bowling Night
Friday, Oct. 14: St. Thomas Jamboree
Lionel Roberts Stadium at 9 a.m.
St. Croix Station Visits
St. Croix Bowling Night
St. John Open House
St. John Employee Appreciation Night w/ Cool Session Brass at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 15: St. Thomas Parade of Units and Softball Game
Emancipation Garden at 6:30 p.m.
Joseph Aubain Ballpark at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 16: Employee Appreciation and Family Fun Day
Magens Bay Beach at 11 a.m.
