Fire Prevention Week Contest

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is proud to announce that as a part of this year's Fire Prevention Week theme, “Have 2 Ways Out," we are holding a contest to see which child in Howard County can make the best escape plan! For more information on this exciting contest, watch this YouTube video featuring local firefighters and paramedics.  

Contest Rules: 

Children throughout Howard County, ages 5 - 12 years old, are encouraged to submit their escape plan which clearly shows two ways of escaping safely out of the home, in the event of a fire or other emergency.  This escape map should include two ways out of the home and the meeting place outside the home where all family members would meet.   When planning your family's escape plan, keep the following in mind:

• Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room. 
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan. 
• Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan. 
• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home. 
• Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or during daylight savings time. 

Each child who creates a family escape plan with 2 ways out should submit the plan on paper by taking it to their local fire station or submitting a copy of the contest entry online. The deadline is November 10^th.  Each entry will be judged by local firefighters and paramedics in order to determine the finalists.  Please ensure your name, address, phone number, school, and grade are included with your entry.   

Winners: 
Contest winners will be announced at the end of November. Each winner will receive a home visit with a fire engine and station personnel, including a free home safety check with a family discussion about home fire safety.  So, what are you waiting for?  Join Sparky and the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services in making your home fire safe and start making YOUR family’s escape plan today!   

For more information on this year's Fire Prevention Week, visit www.fpw.org. You can also keep up with Fire Prevention Week tips and contest updates via our Twitter (www.twitter.com/hcdfrs) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hcdfrs). Plus don't forget to stop by your local station during one of the upcoming open houses or during the week of November 4^th - 10^th to learn more about fire prevention safety for the whole family.