Bellbrook firefighters are urging residents this week to help them celebrate Fire Prevention Week by planning and practicing a fire escape plan in their home or office.

For the third consecutive year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has chosen "The Great Escape" as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 8, 2000 through October14, 2000.

Although the program has been used in the past, this is the first year that significant data showing the effects of the effort of firefighters across the country has been released.

"The NFPA has been tracking stories across the country and 58 lives have been saved over the past two years thanks to the program," Firefighter Ben Abes said. "It is reassuring to know that the lessons we teach are really making a difference."

Firefighters will return to the classroom on October 2, 2000, and during that week will visit more than 1500 children in the Sugarcreek Local School District.

"It's one of our favorite times of the year," Chief Scott Hall said. "It really is a joy to get out into the community to spread our message, and to see the kids we see year after year."

In addition to the school programs, firefighters will spread their message at the annual Fire Department Open House. The open house will be held at Fire Station 2, on the corner of N. Linda Drive and W. Franklin Street, on October 10, 2000 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Among the displays scheduled are search and rescue dogs, auto extrication with the "Jaws of Life" and a demonstration of a thermal imaging camera. A campaign to raise money to purchase the camera will be launched at the open house.

Although Fire Prevention Week is when firefighters push the message of fire safety, Chief Hall says being prepared is a constant effort.

"We hope residents will take a few minutes to consider what they would do should a fire break out in the home," he said. "Equally importantly, though, is practicing the plan and checking each month to make sure smoke detectors and extinguishers are in working order."

For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit the NFPA at www.firepreventionweek.org.

Release I00-09