Mt. Pleasant's fire fighters make fire prevention awareness and
education a year-round effort. Once every year they visit local schools to
teach pre-kindergarten through sixth grade students a healthy respect for
fire, while fourth graders get hands-on practice learning simulated fire
escape techniques. Annual poster contests take place at that time as well,
with trophies and money awards to four winners in each grade. Poster contests
are announced at each school.
Day care centers and neighborhood groups are encouraged to contact the
Fire Department any time to schedule an on-site program or a tour of the
station. Prevention education programs may include fire hazard awareness,
methods of putting out fires, home escape plans, selection and operation of fire extinguishers, smoke
detector placement, techniques for extinguishing clothing which is on fire, and the importance of address numbers.
In-home fire drills are also important. Mt. Pleasant fire fighters
encourage every household to draw a floor plan showing doors, windows,
furniture, smoke detectors, two escape routes out of every room (usually a
window and a doorway), and a place to meet outside. Once the plan is drawn,
the drill demonstrates how long it takes everyone to get to the outdoor
meeting place from each room and through each window. Try it again by crawling
(below the smoke) to simulate a smoke-filled room and avoidance of its deadly
effects.
The County's Enhanced 911 System is another service that ensures timely
response and rescue to emergency situations. While thinking of safety, now is
a good time to update the 911 database with any information that may help a
rescue effort, such as number of occupants in your home, occupants with special needs,
location of hidden keys, or phone numbers of people who should be contacted,
such as the owner of the property or a family member of an elderly occupant.
To do so, call Central Dispatch at 773-1000.
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