News & Announcements

The Fort Wayne Fire Department is hosting open houses throughout the city during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7 to 13. The focus is on practicing an escape plan.

The first open house will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Firefighter’s Museum, 226 W. Washington Blvd., and the Allen County Public Library Plaza.

There will be a scavenger hunt for children and many hands-on activities. Information to help families and individuals plan their route of escape during a fire will be available. Families that complete all activities will be entered into a drawing for a Peg Perego vehicle and fire-safety products.

The fire department’s Pipe & Drum Corps and the FWPD Pipe & Drum Brigade will be on hand as well as firefighters demonstrating how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

The second open house will be from 6to 8 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Community Room at Fire Station 4, 4130 Lahmeyer Road.

The third open house will be from 6to 8 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Community Room at Fire Station 12, 6901 S. Anthony Blvd.

The fourth open house will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Community Room at Fire Station 19, 10116 Covington Road. The WOWO Fire Drill will be 10 a.m. Oct. 10 at St. Peter’s Lutheran School, 7810 Maysville Road.

"Many times when we speak to residents who have experienced a fire in their home, they recall becoming confused and disoriented by the conditions and severity of the situation – but they realized they needed to get out fast," said Chief Pete Kelly, in a statement.

"Sometimes there are only seconds to escape, but there’s no question that having a plan in place that has been practiced saves precious time and makes survival more likely."

Safety tips

*Install working smoke alarms on every level; and inside and outside of each sleeping area.

*Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.

*Make sure your plan allows for any specific needs in your household. If everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.

*Practice using the plan, at least twice a year.

*Some studies have shown that some people may not awaken to the sound of a smoke alarm; they may need help waking up.

*If the alarm sounds: Go to your closest exit, and if you run into smoke, turn and use another way out. If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.

*Don’t take time to pick up belongings; just get out and help others get out. Move fast and stay calm.