Local fire departments are participating in the 83rd annual National Fire Prevention Week sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association this week.
The City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County Fire Departments are set to sponsor events throughout the week to promote fire prevention and safe practices in the home.
According to Linda Johnson, public education officer for the Charlottesville Fire Department, the goal of the week is to remind people to practice fire safety, not just for one week, but every day of the year.
"First of all, you should practice fire prevention year round," Johnson said. "That's our main goal that we would like people to keep in mind."
The City and the County kicked off the week with a Safety Day and fire station open houses Sunday. Throughout the week, the County will set up an information kiosk at the Fashion Square Mall, and fire officials will travel to local schools to give educational talks and engine demonstrations, officials said.
According to Johnson, the theme of the week this year is "Use Candles with Care: When you go out, blow out!" because candles are one of the leading causes of fires in the home.
"We have had fires in Charlottesville caused by candles," Johnson said. "The tips we would like to offer is we want to keep lit candles at least one foot away from curtains, mattresses or anything that can burn; keep candles, matchers or lighters away from children; burn them on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and avoid using candles during power outages."
The potential for fires in the home was displayed last Monday when a fire in a residential complex in the County destroyed several apartments. According to County Fire Chief Dan Eggleston, the fire was caused by unattended charcoal briquettes from a grill left on a deck.
"It was a rather devastating fire," Eggleston said. "It burned the roof off the building and displaced a number of families."
Eggleston added that fire-related casualties happen in the home more than any other location and that there are steps University students can take to make sure they are safe at school.
"I think, in general, the same strategies can be applied to dorms and student housing that you would apply to homes," Eggleston said. "Make sure you have a working smoke detector and you can hear it. Make an evacuation plan and practice the plan. And use general fire safety tips: Don't overload electrical outlets or smoke in your room."
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