“Stay Fire Smart — Don’t Get Burned!” is the theme of Fire Prevention Week 2009, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an international nonprofit organization that provides information on fire, electrical, and building safety. The theme of fire prevention week is intended to remind us of the simple actions we can take to stay safer from fires.
This year’s campaign focuses on ways to keep homes fire safe and prevent painful burns. Each year roughly 3,000 people die as a result of home fires and burns, and more than 200,000 individuals are seen in the nation’s emergency rooms for burn injuries. According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries, while heating equipment and smoking are the leading causes of home fire deaths.
The NFPA has posted a wide variety of materials for Fire Prevention Week on its website — http://www.nfpa.org/— including facts about fires, a home fire safety survey, a home fire escape plan, and activity suggestions for fire departments, teachers, children, and families.
The Postal Service™ encourages managers, employees, and safety professionals to use the NFPA materials when preparing local Fire Prevention Week presentations or activities. The materials may not be used for commercial purposes; however fire departments, civic groups, and workplaces are encouraged to copy and distribute them.
All offices are also asked to visit Blue at http://blue.usps.gov and on the left side, under “Essential Links”, click Safety and Environmental Resources; then on the left side, under “Safety Resources”, click Safety Programs; then on the right side, under “Safety Programs Resources”, click Safety Checklists, where you can review the fire inspection checklist and fire prevention requirements for your specific office. Your local district safety office can answer any questions concerning these checklists or requirements.
— Safety and Environmental Performance Management,
Employee Resource Management, 9-24-09
