|
State Fire Marshal and
Governor Perry Launch Fire Prevention Week
Governor Rick Perry has
proclaimed Oct. 8-14 as Fire Prevention Week. As
part of the prevention message, the State Fire
Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is urging all Texans to
“Have an Exit Strategy” whenever they enter a
public building. State Fire Marshal Paul
Maldonado is reminding Texans to make note of
two exits when entering crowded public spaces
and to remember that the way in may not be the
best way out in a fire.
According to Maldonado, many people do not
realize how quickly a crowded area can become a
death trap in the event of a fire.
“When fire breaks out, everyone rushes to find
the entrance,” Maldonado said. “This causes
panic and bottlenecking and can lead to people
being trampled and exposed to smoke and flames.”
In 2003, 100 Rhode Island club-goers died when a
fire broke out and the majority rushed for the
front door, blocking it completely, while other
exits were unused.
Joining with the SFMO in this campaign are the
Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the
University of Texas at Austin, the Texas Fire
Service Consortium, ThinkStreet (an Austin
marketing communications firm), and fire
departments throughout the state.
It only takes a few moments to develop an exit
strategy. Doing so has the potential to save
many lives.
For more information on this fire safety
campaign, visit
www.haveanexitstrategy.com .
For more information contact:
PIO@tdi.state.tx.us
|
