Utica Fire Dept. Visits Schools During National Fire Prevention Week

Utica, NY (WIBX) - In the case of a house fire, do you have an emergency escape plan in place?

The Utica Fire Department wants to make sure everyone does, as they travel to local elementary schools in support of National Fire Prevention Week.

This year's theme is "Have Two Ways Out!," focusing on the importance of having a fire escape plan and knowing what to do in an emergency.

Starting tomorrow, and until October 17th, firefighters will make stops at eleven schools in Utica to discuss how escape plans work and what to do when the smoke alarm sounds.

They'll also offer other safety tips, including where to place smoke alarms and where to establish an outdoor meeting place in the case of a fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2010, fire departments responded to nearly 370,000 home structure fires, which totaled almost $7 billion in direct damage.