Volunteers at Centre Square Fire Company are trained and ready to respond to home fires as fast as they can. But when a home fire breaks out, residents may only have a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds — and it’s crucial for everyone inside to know what to do and where to go.

That is why Centre Square Fire Company is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape,” from Oct. 9-15.

To kick off Fire Prevention Week, Centre Square Fire Company is hosting its 30th Annual Fire Expo on Oct. 7, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the fire company, 1298 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell. At this free, family-friendly event, the community can meet CSFC firefighters, learn about fire safety, and check out fire trucks, helicopters and emergency vehicles. Additionally, volunteers will complete a vehicle rescue demo for the public to watch. Kids can get involved too and crush cans with Jaws of Life, experience a smoke house and use a fire extinguisher to put out an oven fire.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, this year’s theme works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

According to an NFPA survey, only one of every three American households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. One-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening — and only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out.

But the time available is often less, which is why Centre Square Fire Company encourages all residents to embrace the 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme with these home escape planning tips:

• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Batteries in smoke and CO detectors should be changed twice a year, and detectors should be replaced every seven years.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

Home fires can start with just a tiny spark, and the community counts on the volunteers of Centre Square Fire Company to keep them safe. If you want to help keep the public safe, consider volunteering at Centre Square Fire Company as a firefighter, junior firefighter, fire police or administrative member. Training and gear are provided. To learn more about ways to help your community, visit CentreSquareFire.org.

In addition to the Fire Expo, Centre Square Fire Company is hosting a Comedy Show on October 22 featuring comedians Ed McGonigal and John Kostyal, and hosted by Katrina Braxton. Tickets are $30 per person. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show beings at 8 p.m. For tickets or information, email comedy@csfc33.com or visit https://bpt.me/5498894.