The North Shore Fire Department Reminds North Shore Residents to "Practice Your Escape Plan".

Traditionally Fire Prevention Week is observed nationwide from October 8th to 14th. However, the North Shore Fire Department chooses to observe the entire month of October as Fire Prevention Month. During this time, the North Shore Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind local residents to "Practice Your Escape Plan". During this year's fire safety campaign, firefighters and safety advocates will be spreading the word about having a Family Fire Escape Plan and to "Practice Your Escape Plan" - and teaching local residents how to prevent fires from starting in the first place.

In 2005, U.S. fire departments responded to 1.6 million fires and 24% of these were home fires. Home fires killed 3,030 people that year - roughly 8 people every day - yet only 23% of households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. It is not enough just to have a home fire escape plan in place; everyone in the home must also practice the plan.

The public is invited to practice their escape plan by participating in The Great American Fire Drill. During the month of October, NFPA and its mascot Sparky the Fire Dog® are urging people to "Practice Your Escape Plan". People participating in The Great American Fire Drill will be able to sign up and be counted at Sparky's Website -www.sparky.org .

Create Your Own Home Fire Escape Plan

• Draw a floor plan or a map of your home. Show all doors and windows.
  
• Mark two ways out of each room.
  
• Mark all of the smoke alarms with “SA.” Smoke alarms should be in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
  
• Pick a family meeting place outside where everyone can meet.
  
• Remember, practice your plan at least twice a year.

The North Shore Fire Department and NFPA suggest taking steps to avoid fires by making sure your home and activities that take place there are as safe as possible. The leading causes of home fires are cooking, smoking, heating, electrical equipment, and intentionally set fires. Cooking leads to the most fires and injuries while fires caused by smoking leads to the most deaths.

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There is a need for civic-minded residents who are willing to serve as poll workers for the elections. Requirements are: Glendale residency; qualified elector; able to read and write in the English language; being of good understanding; and able to sit for long periods of time!

The election work day is 6:30 a.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m. Poll workers are paid $7.50 per hour. If you are interested, please call the Assistant City Clerk at 414/228-1705.